Graeme Swann Praises Ishan Kishan's Century and Team-First Attitude
Quick Look
- Graeme Swann lauded Ishan Kishan's 125 off 79 balls in India's ODI win over Afghanistan.
- Swann highlighted Kishan's adaptability, game awareness, and improved strokeplay, noting his ability to shift gears rapidly and turn weaknesses into strengths.
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Why It Matters
Ishan Kishan scored a century to help India win the second ODI against Afghanistan by 170 runs, sealing the series. Former England spinner Graeme Swann praised Kishan's performance and attitude.
India's Ishan Kishan (AP Photo)
Former England spinner Graeme Swann heaped praise on Ishan Kishan after the wicketkeeper-batter's sensational century powered India to a dominant 170-run win over Afghanistan in the second ODI in Lucknow, sealing the three-match series with a game to spare.
Kishan played a stunning knock of 125 from just 79 balls, striking 14 boundaries and seven sixes. His innings formed the backbone of a massive 224-run third-wicket stand with India captain Shubman Gill, who produced a brilliant 154. Their partnership helped India amass 402 before restricting Afghanistan to 232.
Speaking on JioStar, Swann admired Kishan's team-first attitude and his ability to fit seamlessly into any role required by the side. “He is the sort of player who will do whatever job you ask of him without any complaints. The fact that he’s come back into the team and looks like he’s never been away is remarkable,” Swann said.
The former England spinner also highlighted the way Kishan paced his innings before shifting gears dramatically. According to Swann, the left-hander showed excellent game awareness rather than relying on reckless strokeplay.
“He came to the crease and was circumspect for his first fifty, but then took just 19 deliveries to go from 50 to 100, which is ridiculous. It wasn’t crazy hitting or slogging either. He was simply being sensible, picking his spots on the leg side, forcing the bowlers to change their lines, and then playing those gorgeous lofted extra-cover drives.”
Swann felt Kishan's transformation reflected the hard work he has put into improving specific areas of his batting.
“It’s a sign of sheer class. That shot, wide of long-off, is something he’s worked on over the last two years. It was an area where bowlers could shut him down, but he went away, worked on it, and turned it into a strength, which is brilliant,” he added.
Kishan brought up his hundred in only 71 deliveries and ensured India's momentum never slowed. Alongside Gill, he dismantled Afghanistan's bowling attack and set up one of India's biggest ODI totals in recent years.
India then completed a comprehensive victory as Arshdeep Singh and Gurnoor Brar picked up three wickets each. Rahmat Shah fought hard with 79, but Afghanistan were eventually bowled out for 232, handing India an unbeatable 2-0 lead ahead of the final ODI in Chennai.