Ishan Kishan declares fight against Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel for SA Tests spot, puts Ajit Agarkar on notice
Ishan Kishan rose to form in the first Ranji Trophy match for Jharkhand as he missed his double century by a whisker against Tamil Nadu. This is the perfect time to show some promising form as Ajit Agarkar will turn his eyes on the players for the home Tests against South Africa.
India coach Ajit Agarkar is reportedly already under immense pressure after Dhruv Jurel’s commanding display for India in the recently concluded series against West Indies. Besides, India’s first-choice keeper-batsman Rishabh Pant is expected to make his Test return with the South Africa series.
Pant had missed the last series against the West Indies due to an injury he suffered in England during their fourth Test in Manchester. However, he is now fit and is also expected to play Delhi’s opening matches in the Ranji Trophy season.
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Ishan Kishan auditions with ‘Daddy Hundred’ ahead of tests in South Africa
Dismissed and forgotten, left-handed batter Ishan Kishan was deprived of an opportunity in the Indian team in all formats of the game. However, the star set good examples and paved the way for a probable comeback.
The young batter scored a host of runs on his County Championship debut this year and has now kicked off the first round of the Ranji Trophy in one way or another. He dominated with a splendid knock of 173 runs against Tamil Nadu. Although he missed the Double Century by a few runs, the innings was good enough to knock on the selectors’ doors.
A historic 314-run stand for the seventh wicket ended with Kishan’s dismissal
Leading Jharkhand as skipper, he came in at No.5 after the fall of 3 wickets with just 79 on the board. He saw his team collapse at 157 for 6, but Ishan Kishan anchored himself to one end. He patiently built his 9th century in first-class cricket.
The 7th wicket partnership marked a superb display of composure from the left-hander as he added 314 runs alongside Sahil Raj, who also scored a hundred on the first day itself. His innings ended on the morning of the second day as he was dismissed by RS Ambrish.
“We would like him to play a bit more cricket and show some performances,” Agarkar said on Ishan Kishan earlier this month.
Ishan Kishan was considered to be Rishabh Pant’s replacement in the playing XI for the final match in England. However, he missed the opportunity due to an unfortunate injury and Narayan Jagadeesan replaced him. Following this, Ajit Agarkar wanted him to act and perform more.
“And Ishan – when we picked him for India [as Pant’s replacement in England]anyway, he wasn’t in good shape yet. [N] Jagadeesan was part of the last Test match we picked when Ishan was injured. He [Ishan] is a very good player as we know. But we would like him to play a little more cricket and show some performances,” Agarkar had said earlier this month.
The South Africa Test series is scheduled to begin on November 14 and so the team will likely be revealed later this month or probably a week into next month.
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