India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan showcased his explosive batting skills during the second ODI against Afghanistan in Lucknow, smashing a brilliant 125 off just 79 deliveries. While his innings helped India dominate the contest, the 27-year-old later joked that captain Shubman Gill was responsible for preventing him from reaching another historic double century.
In a light-hearted interaction shared by the BCCI, Ishan revealed that he was encouraged by Gill to attempt six consecutive sixes in an over. After launching two massive sixes off the first two deliveries of the 37th over bowled by Nangeyalia Kharoti, Ishan said Gill motivated him to continue the assault and clear the boundary with all six balls. However, the aggressive approach backfired as he was caught out while attempting another big hit on the very next delivery.
Reacting to the dismissal, Ishan jokingly told Gill, “Mujhe six sixes marwane mein mere 70 runs kam kar diye” (You made me lose 70 runs by asking me to go for six sixes). Gill quickly responded with a smile, saying, “Tujhe marna hi tha waise bhi” (You would have gone for it anyway), leading to laughter between the two teammates.
Ishan’s innings was packed with attacking strokes as he hammered 14 boundaries and seven sixes during his stay at the crease. The century marked only the second ODI hundred of his career, with his first being the record-breaking double century against Bangladesh in 2022. On that occasion, he became the fastest batter in ODI history to score a double hundred, reaching the milestone in just 126 balls.
The knock against Afghanistan also holds special significance as it comes during Ishan’s first ODI series appearance in nearly three years. Having last featured in the ODI format during the 2023 World Cup against Australia, the left-handed batter grabbed the opportunity with both hands and reminded selectors and fans of his match-winning abilities.
Meanwhile, captain Shubman Gill also continued his excellent form with a century of his own, helping India seal the ODI series against Afghanistan. The strong performances from both batters have further strengthened India’s batting unit as the team prepares for upcoming international assignments.