India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan highlighted the strong bond between Indian and Afghan cricketers while addressing a special dinner hosted by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) for the Indian team. Kishan began his speech with the Islamic phrase “Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem” and praised Afghanistan’s players for their competitive spirit, friendship and mutual respect.

The dinner was held after India defeated Afghanistan by seven wickets in the second T20I at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Tuesday, September 15. The victory gave Shreyas Iyer’s side an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Kishan played an important role in the chase, remaining unbeaten on 38 off 23 deliveries as India comfortably reached the target.

Kishan explained that the relationship between players from the two countries has strengthened through their experiences in franchise cricket, particularly le the Indian Premier League (IPL). He recalled playing alongside Afghanistan veteran Mohammad Nabi at Mumbai Indians and credited the all-rounder for helping him improve 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.

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“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.

The India wicketkeeper also acknowledged Afghanistan’s determination on the field. According to Kishan, their hunger for wickets and willingness to compete throughout a match make them a challenging opponent in T20 cricket.

Interviewer – What impresses you the most about Afghanistan players?

Ishan Kishan – “First Bismillah Ya Rahaman Ya Rahim”😂

-He is frank with everyone😂pic.twitter.com/NLqcU43hj8

— Abhishek (@unfav_abhishek3) September 17, 2026

“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.

India produced another dominant display in the second T20I. After choosing to bowl first, the hosts restricted Afghanistan to 159/8 in 20 overs. Nitish Kumar Reddy led India’s bowling effort with figures of 3/24, while Arshdeep Singh claimed two wickets. Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel and Ravi Bishnoi picked up one wicket each.

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India then chased down 160 in only 14.5 overs. Sanju Samson provided the acceleration with 57 off 22 balls, while Abhishek Sharma scored 39 from 19 deliveries. Kishan’s unbeaten 38 off 23 completed a convincing seven-wicket victory.

With the series already secured, India could rotate their squad for the final T20I. Players who have had limited opportunities, particularly in the middle order, could be given valuable game time ahead of India’s upcoming international assignments.