Watch: Ishan Kishan scores stunning century against South Zone in Duleep Trophy 2026 final in Chennai

Ishan Kishan delivered a stunning batting performance on Day 1 of the Duleep Trophy 2026 final against South Zone in Chennai. The East Zone captain smashed a brilliant century to put his team in a strong position.

Kishan came to the crease at No. 5 and played an attacking yet composed innings. He reached his century in just 122 balls, hitting 14 fours and one six during his impressive knock.

The left-handed batter completed his century with a four off Shreyas Gopal. His unbeaten hundred helped East Zone finish Day 1 at 385/4 and gave them a strong advantage in the final. 

Watch Ishan Kishan’s stunning century and his celebration here:

Ishan Kishan's century puts East Zone in command on Day 1 in Chennai

East Zone had a strong start on Day 1, with several batters making important contributions. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scored a quick 44, while Abhimanyu Easwaran and Shikhar Mohan also hit valuable half-centuries.

However, the fifth-wicket partnership between Ishan Kishan and Kumar Kushagra changed the game in East Zone’s favour. Kishan remained unbeaten on 111 at stumps, while Kushagra was not out on 56. The duo added 133 runs off 146 balls.

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The century was Kishan’s second hundred in the Duleep Trophy and his 10th in first-class cricket. After failing to score big in the quarterfinal and semifinal, Kishan returned to form with a brilliant century in the final.

Inside the innings: How Kishan built his century against a disciplined South Zone attack

Ishan Kishan played a key role in taking East Zone to 385/4 at stumps. He remained unbeaten on 111 and was well supported by Kumar Kushagra, who scored an unbeaten 63. The pair added 144 runs in the final session without losing a wicket.

The southpaw from Bihar came in after strong knocks from Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Shikhar Mohan and Abhimanyu Easwaran. Sooryavanshi scored 44 off 37 balls, while Mohan and Easwaran made 85 and 72 respectively. Their efforts helped East Zone build a strong platform before Kishan took charge.

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Kishan and Kushagra attacked the tiring South Zone bowling attack in the final session. East Zone scored 139 runs in 25 overs and finished the day on a high. Mohammed Siraj and the other South Zone bowlers struggled to contain the East Zone batters.

What Kishan's ton means for the Duleep Trophy 2026 Final and his India comeback hopes

Ishan Kishan’s century could be an important moment for both the Duleep Trophy 2026 final and his India comeback hopes. His brilliant knock showed that he can still make a big impact in red-ball cricket.

Kishan has played only two Tests for India, with his last appearance coming in 2023. Since then, he has worked to regain his place in the national setup and prove his value as a wicketkeeper-batter.

His century in a major domestic final has once again put him in the discussion for an India return. If Kishan continues to perform consistently in red-ball cricket, he could strengthen his case for a place in the Test team.

However, coming to the match, South Zone’s bowlers struggled to stop the East Zone batters in the final session. Ishan Kishan and Kumar Kushagra added an unbeaten 144-run partnership from 160 balls, helping East Zone score 139 runs in 25 overs and finish the day strongly. Mohammed Siraj conceded 96 runs without taking a wicket, while Chama V Milind was the pick of the South Zone bowlers with 2/56.

Brief scores: East Zone 385/4 in 79 overs (Ishan Kishan 111, Shikhar Mohan 85; Chama V Milind 2/56, Tripurana Vijay 1/114) vs South Zone.*