Ishan Kishan ended his exile with the ongoing Afghanistan series, making an ODI comeback after nearly three years. Although he couldn’t do much in the series opener in Dharamsala, he roared back to form with his second century on Wednesday (May 17) in Lucknow. Replacing an injured Virat Kohli at no. 3, the Indian keeper-batter played a stunning knock of 125 from just 79 balls, striking 14 boundaries and seven sixes.
Kishan’s 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.
“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.
