India Equal South Africa’s ODI Record as Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan Smash Centuries Against Afghanistan

India’s batting unit delivered another reminder of why modern ODI Cricket is increasingly becoming a contest of relentless aggression and batting depth. In the second ODI against Afghanistan at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on June 17, 2026, the Men in Blue posted a staggering total of 402 runs, equalling South Africa’s world record for the most 400-plus totals in men’s ODI history.

The landmark performance was powered by sensational centuries from captain Shubman Gill and wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan, whose dominant partnership dismantled Afghanistan’s bowling attack and showcased India’s remarkable depth in white-ball cricket.

India Join South Africa in Exclusive 400-Plus Club

Crossing the 400-run mark in ODI cricket remains one of the toughest achievements despite increasingly batting-friendly conditions. India’s total of 402 marked the eighth occasion they have breached the milestone, drawing level with South Africa at the top of the all-time list.

The statistic highlights how India have evolved from a traditionally batting-heavy side into a team capable of consistently producing massive scores across different conditions and against varied opposition.

Afghanistan’s Toss Decision Backfires

Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi opted to bowl first after winning the toss, hoping early assistance under lights would help his pace attack. Instead, India’s batters quickly turned the decision into a nightmare.

Although Yashasvi Jaiswal departed early, Rohit Sharma ensured India maintained momentum with an aggressive 48 off just 39 deliveries. The veteran opener smashed six boundaries and two sixes, putting immediate pressure on Afghanistan’s bowlers.

Rohit’s innings was significant beyond the scoreboard. The Indian opener crossed the 14,000-run mark in List A cricket during his knock, becoming only the fifth Indian batter to achieve the feat.

Shubman Gill Thrives in New Role

Leading India in the absence of senior players, Shubman Gill once again demonstrated why he is viewed as the cornerstone of India’s next generation of white-ball cricket.

Promoted to a new batting position, Gill played with remarkable maturity, balancing calculated aggression with composure. His innings of 154 runs off 110 balls featured 22 boundaries and two sixes.

Gill paced his innings perfectly. He absorbed pressure during the middle overs, rotated strike efficiently, and accelerated at precisely the right moments.

More importantly, his innings reflected his growing leadership credentials. Great ODI captains often lead from the front with the bat, and Gill’s knock was a statement of intent.

Shubman Gill’s Innings at a Glance

• Runs: 154
• Balls Faced: 110
• Fours: 22
• Sixes: 2
• Strike Rate: 140.00

Ishan Kishan Rediscovers His Explosive Best

If Gill provided stability, Ishan Kishan supplied the fireworks.

Batting at No. 4, Kishan unleashed one of the most destructive innings of his ODI career, smashing 125 runs from just 79 deliveries. His innings included 14 boundaries and seven towering sixes at an astonishing strike rate of 158.23.

The left-hander targeted Afghanistan’s spinners and seamers alike, refusing to let any bowler settle into a rhythm.

Kishan’s return to form comes at an ideal time for India, especially with competition for middle-order spots intensifying ahead of future ICC tournaments.

His ability to accelerate immediately after arriving at the crease offers India a tactical advantage that few teams possess.

Ishan Kishan’s Match-Winning Knock

• Runs: 125
• Balls Faced: 79
• Fours: 14
• Sixes: 7
• Strike Rate: 158.23

The Partnership That Broke Afghanistan

The defining moment of the innings came through the massive stand between Gill and Kishan.

The duo combined power with precision, exploiting gaps, running aggressively between the wickets, and punishing every loose delivery.

Afghanistan’s experienced spin attack, usually their greatest strength, struggled to contain the pair.

Rashid Khan, Nangeyalia Kharoti, and AM Ghazanfar were unable to create sustained pressure as India continued to score at over eight runs per over throughout the middle phase.

By the time both batters departed, Afghanistan’s hopes of restricting India to a manageable total had vanished.

What Makes India’s Batting Line-up So Dangerous?

India’s latest 400-plus total underscores a broader trend in ODI cricket: batting depth is becoming as important as top-order quality.

India’s line-up now features multiple players capable of scoring centuries at strike rates above 130, creating an almost impossible challenge for opposition bowlers.

Even with an early wicket, India still had Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Washington Sundar waiting to bat.

This depth allows India to attack from the first over without fearing collapse.

Unlike previous eras where teams conserved wickets for a late assault, modern ODI cricket rewards constant pressure. India appear to have embraced this philosophy fully.

How India Compare with Other ODI Powerhouses

South Africa were long regarded as the benchmark for high-scoring ODI batting, thanks to their fearless approach during the AB de Villiers era.

England revolutionised one-day cricket after their disappointing 2015 World Cup campaign, setting new standards for aggressive batting.

India have now successfully blended both approaches — combining technical excellence with modern power-hitting.

With several young players entering their peak years, India could soon move ahead of South Africa and establish themselves as the most prolific high-scoring ODI side in history.

Why This Record Matters Beyond Statistics

Scoring 400 runs consistently is not merely about individual brilliance. It reflects a team’s strategic evolution, depth, adaptability, and mindset.

For India, matching South Africa’s record sends a powerful message to the rest of the cricketing world.

The team is no longer dependent on one or two superstars. Instead, it has developed a batting ecosystem where multiple players can dominate games.

This depth becomes especially valuable during ICC tournaments, where different conditions and pressure situations demand flexibility.

India’s ability to produce match-winners across the batting order significantly increases their chances of sustained success.

Can India Break the Record Soon?

Given their current batting form and the emergence of aggressive young players, India appear well-positioned to claim the outright record for the most 400-plus ODI totals.

With a packed calendar featuring bilateral series and major tournaments, opportunities will continue to arise.

More importantly, India’s batting philosophy suggests they are unlikely to slow down.

The combination of experienced campaigners like Rohit Sharma and dynamic stars such as Gill, Kishan, Jaiswal, and others ensures that India remain one of the most feared batting units in world cricket.

Conclusion

India’s emphatic performance against Afghanistan was more than just another high-scoring ODI display. It represented the evolution of a batting culture built around fearless intent, depth, and adaptability.

Shubman Gill’s masterful 154 and Ishan Kishan’s explosive 125 powered India to 402, helping the hosts match South Africa’s long-standing record of eight 400-plus ODI totals.

As ODI cricket continues to evolve, India seem perfectly equipped for the future. With a blend of experience, youth, and attacking philosophy, the Men in Blue are not just chasing records—they are redefining what is possible in modern one-day cricket.

If this innings is any indication, it may only be a matter of time before India stand alone at the top of the 400-plus leaderboard.