Ishan Kishan breaks Chris Gayle’s world record and scores the fastest double century in ODI history

Ishan Kishan, a young Indian batsman, smashed a double century off just 126 balls in the third and final ODI of the series against Bangladesh at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram. He became the world’s seventh batter to accomplish the feat, and India’s fourth after Sachin Tendulkar, Rohit Sharma, and Virender Sehwag.

Ishan was never considered India’s first-choice player. However, regular skipper Rohit Sharma’s thumb injury in the second ODI, which forced him to miss the third match, created an opportunity for the youngster, which he seized with both hands in the hope of making a case for himself to play in the 2023 ODI World Cup.

When India batted first, they lost opener Shikhar Dhawan early in the innings for 3 of 8. Ishan then combined with former skipper Virat Kohli to put up a 200-plus run stand for the second wicket. While Kohli was en route to his 65th half-century and first in eight ODI innings, Ishan roared his way to the double century, achieving the massive figure in just  126 balls.

Ishan broke West Indies great Chris Gayle’s record for the fastest to 200 in an ODI inning with the feat, which made him the seventh batter in ODIs to score a double century. Gayle had reached 200 runs in 138 balls against Zimbabwe in 2015, en route to his 215-run knock.

Ishan also became the highest run-getter in an innings by a visiting batter in Bangladesh, edging out Australia’s Shane Watson (185* in 20111). He also surpassed former India captain Sourav Ganguly as the country’s highest individual run-scorer in an away match. In 1999, Ganguly scored 183 points against Sri Lanka in Taunton. This is also the highest individual score by any batter against Bangladesh in men’s ODIs.

In terms of the series, India lost both of the first two games, giving Bangladesh a commanding 2-0 lead.