Ishan Kishan Scripts History, Joins Elite List Of Batters With 200 In Duleep Trophy Final

By Suresh

**Ishan Kishan's Double Century Puts East Zone Firmly in Driver's Seat** A gentle rhythm to a mighty knock, and Ishan Kishan has once again reminded us why the middle order can be the most melodic place in cricket. On Day 2 of the Duleep Trophy final, East Zone vs South Zone, our captain-lead-from-front silenced his doubters with a magnificent double century, becoming only the fifth batter ever to breach the 200-run mark in this final. The left-hander had closed Day 1 unbeaten on 111, standing tall alongside Kumar Kushagra (63*), their unbroken 144-run stand in just 26.4 overs setting the tone. On Day 2, Kushagra too reached his century before falling, but Ishan remained the anchor, composing his innings with the patience of an *alap* unfolding. His knock crossed 4,000 first-class runs and marked his 10th ton in the format — a quiet statement to selectors of his red-ball credentials. Only Raman Lamba (320, 87-88), Anshuman Gaekwad (216, 87-88), Cheteshwar Pujara (256*, 16-17) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (209, 22-23) have done it before in a final. East Zone, last champions 13 years ago, now sit commanding. If their bowlers hold their line, they may well win this without batting twice. A reminder that temperament, like a raga, cannot be rushed. Source: NDTV Sports