NEW DELHI: Star wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan delivered a stunning century in Jharkhand’s opening fixture of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season.

Kishan, who is also captaining the Jharkhand side, walked out to bat at number five after his team found themselves in early trouble. Demonstrating maturity and control, the left-hander anchored the entire middle and lower order, crafting a superb innings of 173 runs off 247 balls.

His masterful knock for Jharkhand against Tamil Nadu in Coimbatore served as a stark reminder of the immense talent he possesses. The 27-year-old has been striving to cement his position in the Indian national setup after being out of contention for some time.

His incredible knock, which featured 15 fours and six massive sixes, powered Jharkhand to a strong total of 419 runs in their first innings.

The wicketkeeper-batsman shared a crucial and defining partnership with Sahil Raj, who also played a lengthy supporting role, scoring 77. This seventh-wicket stand was instrumental in frustrating the Tamil Nadu bowlers and turning the tide of the match.

Ishan Kishan’s wait for redemption

This stellar performance comes after a period where Kishan was seeking to regain form and national recognition. He had a brief stint playing red-ball cricket earlier this year with Nottinghamshire in the County Championship.

His entry into the elite format of the game occurred on July 12, 2023, when he made his Test debut against the West Indies at Windsor Park, Roseau. Kishan's last appearance in the blue of India was in the T20 International format on November 28, 2023, against Australia at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.