Ishan Kishan is knocking on India’s door with a Test wicket
East Zone captain Ishan Kishan plays a knock on day 2 of the 2026-27 Duleep Trophy final cricket match between South Zone and East Zone in Chennai. (PTI) KOLKATA: East Zone skipper Ishan Kishan’s monumental 270 off 334 balls in the Duleep Trophy final strengthened his case for a return to the Indian Test side, with the Jharkhand wicketkeeper-batsman now emerging as a genuine all-format option after an impressive run in both international and domestic cricket.The innings against South Zone in Chennai was more than just a big score. After a season in which Ishan played consistently in both white-ball and red-ball cricket, it offered a strong indication that he has developed the temperament and game to succeed in the longest format.Former India wicketkeeper Saba Karim believes Ishan’s recent progress reflects more maturity in his approach to the game.“The work Ishan put in last season at the domestic level reflects his growing maturity and his desire to be a part of Indian cricket across all three formats. It is good to see him understand his game better and keep improving. The hard work and introspection he has invested in his cricket is now showing in his performances,” Karim told TOI on Tuesday.The conditions made the 270 even more significant. Ishan spent over nine hours over two days at the crease in Chennai’s heat and humidity, against a potent south zone attack, to make one of the most emphatic red-ball statements of his career.“Scoring 270 in the final of the Duleep Trophy against a strong South Zone side speaks volumes about his development as a red-ball cricketer. It makes the effort even more special in Chennai where the conditions are extremely hot and humid. It was a remarkable innings and I am happy for him,” said Karim.Former India batsman Saurabh Tiwary, Ishan’s senior teammate for Jharkhand, believes the Duleep Trophy performance is a continuation of a wider revival rather than an isolated effort. Ishan was also among the runs in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy, his season’s highest being 173 off 247 deliveries against Tamil Nadu in tough batting conditions in Coimbatore.“He has been doing well for some time now and I can say he has a golden touch,” Tiwary said. “Importantly, he has performed not only in white-ball cricket but also in red-ball cricket.”With this consistency, the test door is now firmly within reach.“There is huge competition in the Indian team and it’s never easy to secure a place, but he’s definitely knocking on the door,” Tiwary said.Karim feels Ishan’s value to India goes beyond his wicket-taking credentials, especially given his ability to contribute in a variety of roles.“Now, with the runs he has scored in red-ball cricket, the Indian team will definitely consider him a strong option in the Test format as well. If your batting is good enough, you can always earn a spot as a specialty batsman, even if you are primarily known as a wicketkeeper,” he said.The transformation saw a return to the domestic grind after a season without a central BCCI contract.“One of the most important aspects of a cricketer’s career is responding to setbacks. If you are out of the team, you have to come back to domestic cricket, work hard and become the best player you can be. Ishan followed that path,” Karim said.
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