India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan entertained fans with a hilarious exchange with all-rounder Axar Patel ahead of the second T20I against the West Indies in Ranchi on Friday, October 9. The light-hearted moment took place at the Indian team hotel during the players’ pre-match photoshoot. Kishan was returning after completing his photoshoot when Axar arrived for his turn. Welcoming his teammate, the left-hander joked that he was relieved to see someone arriving later than him, as he had thought he would be the last player at the session.
The banter continued as Axar posed for the cameras. Ishan Kishan playfully advised him to relax and behave like a batter rather than a fast bowler, leaving the interaction filled with humour. “Now you can relax. Smile for 10 seconds. They will tell you when to relax your face. Well, Guddu, be like a batter. Why are you acting like a pace bowler?” Kishan joked.
The Indian team’s video captured Kishan’s day ahead of the match, from his photoshoot and departure for practice to his warm-up routine, batting in the nets and interacting with fans after the training session.
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Beyond the off-field entertainment, Ishan Kishan has enjoyed an impressive run in T20I cricket in 2026. During India’s first T20I against the West Indies, the wicketkeeper-batter remained unbeaten on 37 off 27 deliveries, hitting five boundaries at a strike rate of 137.04.
Clicks and camaraderie before turning 🆙 the intensity 💪
🎥 Jharkhand Captain and local boy Ishan Kishan’s 𝘿𝙖𝙮 𝙊𝙪𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙍𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙝𝙞 🤩
#TeamIndia | #INDvWI | @mflone_ | @ishankishan51 https://t.co/gjl3a7sWto
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 9, 2026
His contribution helped India chase down the target of 172 in just 14.4 overs, alongside a superb century from captain Shreyas Iyer. Ishan Kishan’s overall numbers in T20Is this year have also been impressive. In 30 matches, he has accumulated 1,042 runs at an average of 38.59 and a strike rate of 168.06, including one century and seven half-centuries.
He also delivered a crucial performance in the semi-final of the 2026 Asian Games against Sri Lanka, smashing an unbeaten 80 off 46 balls. His innings featured four boundaries and five sixes at a strike rate of 173.91.
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With the second T20I taking place at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi, Kishan will have the opportunity to perform in his home city. The left-hander will look to carry his confidence from the opening match into the next encounter and strengthen India’s batting effort. Given his current form, Kishan will be eager to make another valuable contribution as India look to continue their winning momentum against the West Indies.
