In a breathtaking display of power-hitting at the Narendra Modi Stadium B Ground, Ishan Kishan produced one of the most destructive innings in List A cricket history. Leading Jharkhand against Karnataka in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, Kishan’s masterclass of batting instantly reignited discussions around India’s T20 World Cup squad.
Walking in at No.6, Kishan had limited time but unlimited intent. He scored a sensational 125 runs off just 39 balls, including 7 fours and 14 sixes, maintaining a strike rate of 320.51 – a performance that now ranks among the most explosive in Indian List A cricket. His century, achieved in just 33 balls, is the second-fastest List A hundred by an Indian, narrowly behind Sakibul Gani’s 32-ball ton earlier the same day.
This remarkable innings came on a day of record-breaking batting in the tournament. Alongside Sakibul Gani and Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who scored 36-ball centuries, Kishan’s knock highlighted the new wave of aggressive, high-impact cricket in India.
Jharkhand set a formidable total of 412/9 after being asked to bat first. Contributions from Virat Singh (88) and Kumar Kushagra (63) laid the foundation, but it was Kishan’s late surge that transformed the match. Jharkhand scored 119 runs in the final eight overs, with Kishan at the helm of the assault, dismantling Karnataka’s bowling attack.
Kishan’s innings goes beyond statistics. Leading from the middle order, he demonstrated a combination of maturity, explosiveness, and strategic awareness. His performance underscores his value as a flexible, game-changing player, making a strong case for inclusion in India’s T20 World Cup plans.
With this display, Kishan reminded selectors and fans alike of his ability to dominate under pressure, against both pace and spin, reinforcing his status as one of India’s most potent white-ball batters.
