Ishan Kishan smashed a blistering 125 off 79 deliveries to power India to a commanding 170-run victory over Afghanistan in the second ODI at Lucknow on 18 June, securing the three-match series 2-0. Former England spinner Graeme Swann hailed the wicketkeeper-batter's knock as a masterclass in adaptability and class.

Kishan and Gill Dismantle Afghanistan

Kishan's innings, laced with 14 fours and 7 sixes, formed the centrepiece of a match-winning 224-run third-wicket partnership with captain Shubman Gill, who contributed a magnificent 154. Together, the pair lifted India to a formidable 402, one of India's highest ODI totals in recent times, before the bowlers dismissed Afghanistan for 232.

Kishan reached his century off just 71 balls, accelerating dramatically after a measured start. He moved from 50 to 100 in a mere 19 deliveries — a burst that left Swann visibly impressed.

What Swann Said

Speaking on JioStar, Swann described Kishan as a selfless team player whose return to the side had been seamless. '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 was equally struck by the technical evolution on display. '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 noted.

A Strength Built Over Two Years

Swann highlighted a specific technical improvement Kishan has worked on — the lofted drive wide of long-off — as evidence of deliberate, sustained effort. '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.

This assessment points to a broader maturation in Kishan's game. Notably, his ability to pace an innings — building carefully before shifting gears — is increasingly rare among aggressive top-order batters in the current era of ODI cricket.

India's Bowlers Complete the Job

Arshdeep Singh and Gurnoor Brar claimed three wickets apiece to dismantle Afghanistan's chase. Rahmat Shah's fighting 79 provided brief resistance but proved insufficient as Afghanistan were bowled out for 232, well short of India's target.

What's Next

India now hold an unassailable 2-0 series lead ahead of the third and final ODI in Chennai. With the series already sealed, the decider presents an opportunity for fringe players to press their claims ahead of upcoming assignments.