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East Zone captain Ishan Kishan is leading from the front by producing a special batting performance in the ongoing Duleep Trophy 2026 final against South Zone, as he smashed his 10th first-class century in style at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday, September 9.
The Indian wicketkeeper-batter looked confident as he was leading the batting charge from the front for the East Zone in the ongoing summit clash against the South Zone in Chennai. Earlier, Ishan Kishan completes 4,000 First-Class runs in 2026 Duleep Trophy final.
Ishan Kishan hits 10th first-class century in Duleep Trophy 2026 Final
Ishan Kishan reached the three-figure mark with a beautiful boundary off Shreyas Gopal. The spinner tossed the ball up outside off, and Kishan stepped forward before playing a clean drive on the rise. The shot went past the non-striker and raced through the gap, beating the fielder at mid-off.
The ball had just crossed the boundary when Kishan took off his helmet and raised both his arms in celebration. On Sunday, the Duleep Trophy 2026 final saw the MA Chidambaram Stadium crowd coming in large numbers and giving him a big round of applause.
💯 for Ishan Kishan 👏
— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) September 6, 2026
He brings it up in style 💥
The East Zone captain leading from the front with a superb knock 🙌
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/KQf5Km69nk#DuleepTrophy | #SZvEZ pic.twitter.com/ql9el4G60Q
Ishan won the toss and elected to bat, then took charge up front to give his team a solid platform with the bat. The innings also showed a different side of Kishan. The left-hander is known for his attacking batting, but he has played according to the situation.
Ishan Kishan leads from the front
Meanwhile, East Zone enjoyed a superb day with the bat in the Duleep Trophy 2026 final against South Zone in Chennai. After winning the toss and choosing to bat, Kishan remained unbeaten on 111 at the close of play on Day 1 against the South Zone on Saturday.
After Vaibhav Sooryavanshi gave the innings an early push with a quick 44, Abhimanyu Easwaran and Shikhar Mohan also chipped in with the brilliant half-centuries. And then Kishan joined hands with Kushagra, and the two completely took the game away from South Zone. Amid this, India’s Test Schedule vs England, Australia Revealed Till 2031.
Kishan-Kushagra partnership frustrates South Zone
The fifth-wicket pair settled in and stitched the 144-run partnership to take the East Zone to a strong position. By the time stumps were called, Kushagra was still batting at 63, with Kishan unbeaten on 111. South Zone simply struggled to find a way through.
The pitch at MA Chidambaram Stadum offered plenty for the batters, but the South Zone attack lacked consistency and gave away too many loose deliveries. Mohammed Siraj was among those who had an expensive day, going at close to seven runs an over, while the others also failed to make an impact.
South Zone face tough task on Day 2
Well, Kishan played according to the situation rather than rushing his shots. However, there was one frustrating part of the day. The slow over rate meant 11 overs were lost, leaving South Zone with even less time to make an impact before stumps on Day 1 in Chennai.
East Zone now come back in Day 2 full of confidence and in a good position. Kishan and Kushagra are still at the crease and they will be looking to convert this excellent start into a huge first innings total. South Zone will need wickets desperately with the second new ball, though.
