‘Just 70 runs kam kar diye’: Ishan Kishan’s playful dig at skipper Shubman Gill

Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill (Photo by BCCI) NEW DELHI: India’s dominant run in the ODI series against Afghanistan continued as Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan struck a crushing 170-run stand in the second ODI to help the hosts take an elusive 2-0 lead in the three-match series.After winning the first ODI by seven wickets, India produced another batting masterclass led by captain Gill and wicketkeeper-batsman Kishan. The duo put together a stunning 224-run partnership for the third wicket and completely took the game away from Afghanistan. Gill was at his classy best, scoring 154 off just 110 balls with 22 fours and two sixes. The India captain also became the fastest Indian to reach 3000 ODI runs in terms of innings. At the other end, Kishan was equally destructive as he smashed 125 off 79 balls, including 14 fours and seven sixes.The partnership helped India cross the 300-run mark in just 35.5 overs, one of the fastest totals over 300 by a team batting first in ODI cricket.But after the match, it was a light-hearted exchange between the two batsmen that caught everyone’s attention.In a video shared by BCCI, Kishan jokingly accused Gill of missing out on what could have been another double century.“Mujhe 6 chakke marwaane ke chakkar mein just 70 runs kam kar diye (You reduced my score by 70 runs),” Kishan said with a smile while talking to Gill in the dressing room.The joke referred to an incident during the Indian innings. After Kishan smashed two consecutive sixes in the 37th over, Gill reportedly encouraged him to go for six sixes in the over. Kishan tried to continue the attack but ended up mis-timed the shot and was caught in the deep on the very next delivery.Kishan, when promoted to command, took full advantage of the opportunity. His 125 was his first ODI century in four years, since his famous double hundred against Bangladesh. He indicated after the match that he had his eye on another double century before being dismissed.Gill, however, was quick with a cheeky response.“Tujhe marna hi toh tha (You had to hit them anyway),” Gill replied with a laugh.Kishan immediately agreed.“100%.”With the series already secured, India will now aim for a clean sweep when they take on Afghanistan in the third and final ODI at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday.