NEW DELHI: Ishan Kishan was in beast mode on Sunday, lighting up the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad with a blistering 106* off just 47 balls. His explosive knock powered Sunrisers Hyderabad to a commanding 44-run victory over Rajasthan Royals.
However, Kishan’s journey to this moment is even more compelling than his stunning century on debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL.
Around this time last year, he was dropped from the BCCI’s central contracts, with selectors and top officials believing he wasn’t prioritising red-ball cricket.
Once regarded as one of India’s top three wicketkeeper-batters alongside Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson, Kishan found himself on the sidelines, left to reflect and rebuild.
But on Sunday, in the vibrant Orange jersey, he let his bat do the talking. His unbeaten 47-ball innings, laced with 11 boundaries and six sixes, was a statement of intent.
As he reached his century, Kishan, who was bought for Rs 11.25 crore at the auction, celebratory roar sent a clear message—he was back.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan believes Kishan’s fiery celebration was directed at India’s selectors and captain Rohit Sharma.
“Kishan’s celebration for three figures today, that was a celebration maybe (aimed) for Mumbai, maybe to the chairman of selectors, maybe to Rohit Sharma, maybe to the whole of India, maybe to the whole of the world, just to say, ‘Look I’m a decent player’,” Vaughan told Cricbuzz.
“He’s a wonderfully balanced player, with the break of the wrist to just flick the ball. He’s got that great shot on the onside with anything short. I’d love to be the chairman of selectors for India. I mean, the selection meetings would be long because you’ve got so many players to talk about and you’d be a naughty step as a selector because you’re saying to someone ‘sorry, you’re not even in the top five at the minute’,” he said.
“The talent pool in Indian cricket is monstrous and the only way that you can get in, the only way that you can push yourself into that set-up is by doing remarkable things. I think of all the formats to get a century in, T20 cricket is the hardest format to get in,” Vaughan said.
After a dominant win against Rajasthan Royals, Sunrisers Hyderabad will next face Lucknow Super Giants on Thursday at the same venue.
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