Ranji Trophy 2025-26: Ishan Kishan’s 173 and inspiring leadership guide Jharkhand to a shock win over Tamil Nadu.
Brief Score: Jharkhand – 419 (Ishan Kishan 173, Gurjapneet Singh 4/71) beat Tamil Nadu 93 & 212 (Andre Siddarth 80, Rishav Raj 4/49) by an innings and 114 runs.
Every cricketer has a defining moment, for Ishan Kishan, it came in Coimbatore during the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 opener. Leading Jharkhand, he scored a commanding 173, sending a clear message – to critics, doubters, and to himself. Under his captaincy, Jharkhand stunned a strong Tamil Nadu side by an innings and 114 runs, showcasing not just batting mastery but leadership and resilience.
A statement on arrival
When Ishan Kishan walked out to bat at 79 for 3, there was little indication of the carnage to follow. Yet by the time he was dismissed for 173, he had transformed the match. He faced 247 balls, smashed 15 fours and 6 sixes, not just rescuing Jharkhand but dominating the encounter. His knock wasn’t merely about hitting big — it exhibited patience, calculated aggression, and a deep understanding of the game situation.
His captaincy was equally impressive. He backed his bowlers, enforced the follow-on after bundling Tamil Nadu for 93, and executed plans perfectly as the opposition were bowled out for 212 in their second innings. With this win, Kishan made a clear statement: he is back in red-ball mode, back in the domestic groove, and ready to lead.
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The journey to this moment
As a youngster, Ishan Kishan quickly made a name for himself with fearless batting and aggressive left-handed stroke play. His 273 against Delhi in the Ranji Trophy remains Jharkhand’s highest individual score, highlighting his early potential. His success in white-ball cricket earned him spots in India’s ODI and T20 teams, though his red-ball performances were inconsistent, with only occasional big scores preventing sustained national selection.
In 2024, Kishan made a notable comeback in the Duleep Trophy, scoring a scintillating 111 off 126 balls for India C against India B in Anantapur, ten months after his last appearance for the national team. This was followed by a strong performance in the Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament for Jharkhand, where he scored 114 off 107 balls against Madhya Pradesh and remained unbeaten on 41 in the second innings to help his team secure a two-wicket win.
In 2025, he was initially named captain of the East Zone squad for the Duleep Trophy but was later ruled out due to a foot injury. He also took charge of Jharkhand in the Ranji season and had a short county stint in England to refine his red-ball skills. These experiences reflect a renewed mindset, emphasizing discipline, adaptability, and long-format temperament.
All of this culminated in Coimbatore, where his 173 showcased patience, maturity, and evolution. As Kishan himself noted, “I realised I was playing too much to prove something. Now I want to play to improve.” This innings was a clear statement of his growth as both a player and a leader.
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Kishan’s match-defining innings
What stands out about the 173 is the nature of the innings. When the top-order collapsed, Kishan didn’t panic. He left balls outside off, rotated strike, and built a solid foundation. Once set, he accelerated, forming a crucial partnership of 214 with Sahil Raj, who scored 77, swinging momentum entirely in Jharkhand’s favor. The team crossed 400, erasing any shadow of vulnerability.
His shot-selection reflected maturity: a blend of natural flair — thumping drives, powerful pulls with restraint and strategic awareness. Tamil Nadu bowlers, both veterans and youngsters, were under constant pressure. Kishan’s leadership in the field complemented his batting, as he backed debutant bowlers like Rishav Raj, who claimed four wickets, and set aggressive fields that maximized pressure on the opposition.
The upset & its significance
Defeating Tamil Nadu by an innings margin is no small feat. The southern side boasts quality, experience, and domestic pedigree. Jharkhand’s comprehensive win highlighted planning, execution, and discipline. Kishan’s all-round contribution tied it all together and gave the team a massive early boost in their campaign.
For Kishan personally, this innings signals that he may again be in contention for national selection, especially with India’s home season ahead and the wicket-keeper/batter slot still open considering Rishabh Pant’s recovery. His form and leadership performance have reignited discussions about his readiness for red-ball cricket at the top level.
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Lessons from the setback years
The past couple of years have been challenging for Ishan Kishan. After being sidelined due to lack of runs and alleged indiscipline, and despite being part of the Indian squad across formats, inconsistent performances and injuries gradually kept him out of national contention. Limited opportunities in domestic red-ball cricket further compounded the struggle, making his road to resurgence a test of patience and perseverance.
Yet, in those months of adversity lay the seeds of revival. Kishan focused on improving his temperament, balancing natural aggression with game awareness. He spent long hours in the nets, worked closely with senior coaches on handling long innings, and consistently participated in domestic tournaments, particularly the Ranji Trophy, to regain form and confidence.
This 173 in Coimbatore, therefore, wasn’t just an outburst — it was the culmination of months of patient work, learning, and a conscious effort to refine his red-ball game.
Leadership: A new layer
Beyond batting, Kishan’s captaincy emerged as one of the biggest positives. He marshalled a relatively young Jharkhand team with confidence, making clear decisions, backing debutants, and energizing teammates. His communication with bowlers, attacking field placements, and management of pressure situations showed that he is evolving not just as a player but as a mature leader who understands the demands of four-day cricket.
Continuing his leadership role, Ishan Kishan will lead Jharkhand in their next Ranji Trophy fixture against Vidarbha on October 25 at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur, while Tamil Nadu will aim to bounce back when they face Nagaland from October 25 in Dimapur, Nagaland. With form and confidence peaking, Kishan will look to carry this momentum forward as Jharkhand builds on their dream start to the season.
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