Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan began his speech with the Islamic phrase “Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem” at a special dinner hosted by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) for the Indian team. The 28-year-old praised the Afghan players and spoke about the friendship and mutual respect between the two teams.
The dinner took place after India’s seven-wicket win over Afghanistan in the second T20I at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Tuesday, September 15. Team India, led by Shreyas Iyer, took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. Kishan scored an unbeaten 38 runs off 23 balls during the 160-run chase.
Ishan Kishan Highlights Mohammad Nabi’s Mentorship and IPL Camaraderie
Ishan Kishan spoke about the strong bond between Indian and Afghan cricketers, which has grown through their time together in franchise cricket. He recalled his association with Mohammad Nabi at Mumbai Indians and credited the veteran all-rounder with helping him during batting sessions.
“It is always enjoyable playing against them (Afghanistan) because many of us have also played together in the IPL, and we know what wonderful human beings they are,” Ishan Kishan said.
“There is always something to learn from them. In particular, I played with Nabi Bhai at the Mumbai Indians, and he helped me a lot during batting sessions,” he added.
Interviewer - What impresses you the most about Afghanistan players?
— Abhishek (@unfav_abhishek3) September 17, 2026
Ishan Kishan - "First Bismillah Ya Rahaman Ya Rahim"😂
-He is frank with everyone😂pic.twitter.com/NLqcU43hj8
Ishan Kishan Praises Afghanistan’s Hunger and Determination
Ishan Kishan also praised Afghanistan’s competitive approach and their desire to make an impact in every game. He stated that their energy in the field and their constant search for wickets make them a difficult team to face.
“One of the most impressive qualities about the Afghanistan team is their hunger and determination. Whenever we play against them, you can see how eager they are to take wickets and compete at the highest level,” he said.
The wicketkeeper-batter’s comments reflected the mutual respect between the two teams. Several players from India and Afghanistan have shared dressing rooms in the IPL, creating friendships that continue when they meet in international cricket.
Team India Seal T20I Series With Seven-Wicket Win in Delhi
India produced another strong performance in the second T20I at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday, September 15. After winning the toss and bowling first, India restricted Afghanistan to 159/8 in their 20 overs, with Nitish Kumar Reddy leading the attack with 3/24.
Arshdeep Singh claimed 2/35, while Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel and Ravi Bishnoi took one wicket each. India then chased down the 160-run target in just 14.5 overs to win by seven wickets and take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Sanju Samson led the chase with a quick 57 off 22 balls, while Abhishek Sharma contributed 39 off 19. Kishan finished the match unbeaten on 38 off 23 balls.
With the series already secured, India could make a few changes for the final T20I. The middle-order batters have had limited opportunities because of the aggressive starts from the top order, while players on the bench could get a chance before India’s upcoming international assignments.
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