Shreyas Iyer added another significant milestone to his ODI career during India’s second ODI against Afghanistan in Lucknow on Wednesday, becoming the joint second-fastest Indian batter to reach 3,000 runs in the format.The Mumbai batter reached the landmark in his 72nd ODI innings, drawing level with former opener Shikhar Dhawan and moving ahead of batting great Virat Kohli, who had taken 75 innings to achieve the feat. Only India captain Shubman Gill has reached the milestone faster among Indians, having completed 3,000 ODI runs in just 62 innings earlier in the series.Fewest innings to 3000 ODI runs for India62 Shubman Gill72 Shikhar Dhawan/Shreyas Iyer75 Virat Kohli78 KL Rahul79 Navjot SidhuIyer’s achievement becomes even more impressive when measured by balls faced. The right-hander got to 3,000 ODI runs in just 3,049 deliveries, making him the third-fastest Indian by that metric. Only Kapil Dev (2,995 balls) and Gill (3,016 balls) reached the landmark quicker, while Iyer overtook former India opener Virender Sehwag, who needed 3,164 deliveries.The milestone came in a high-scoring contest at the Ekana Stadium, where India’s batters dominated Afghanistan’s attack. Leading from the front, Gill produced a captain’s knock of 154 off 110 balls, his first ODI century since becoming India’s full-time ODI skipper. His innings included 22 boundaries and two sixes and laid the foundation for a massive total.Ishan Kishan provided the perfect support act with a breathtaking 125 from only 79 deliveries. After reaching his fifty in 52 balls, the left-hander blasted his next 53 runs in just 19 deliveries, helping India build a match-defining 224-run partnership with Gill for the third wicket.Iyer later chipped in with 26 runs as India piled up 402 before being bowled out in 49.5 overs. The visitors were set a daunting target of 403, with India aiming to clinch the three-match series after taking a 1-0 lead.While Gill’s century grabbed the headlines, the match also marked another major career milestone for Iyer, who continues to strengthen his reputation as one of India’s most reliable ODI performers.
