Hyderabad, March 23, 2025 – The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad witnessed a spectacle on Sunday as Ishan Kishan, the explosive wicketkeeper-batter for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), delivered a scintillating performance in Match 2 of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 against Rajasthan Royals (RR).
Scoring an unbeaten 106 off just 47 balls, Kishan not only powered SRH to a mammoth 286/6—the second-highest total in IPL history—but also marked his arrival at his new franchise with a maiden IPL century.
Following the 44-run victory, Kishan addressed the media in a post-match press conference, shedding light on his mindset, the team environment, and his resurgence in the IPL spotlight.
A Blistering Debut for SRH
Kishan’s knock was a statement of intent. Acquired by SRH for ₹11.25 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction, the 27-year-old left-hander wasted no time proving his worth.
Coming in at No. 3 after a fiery 45-run opening stand by Travis Head (67 off 31) and Abhishek Sharma (24 off 11), Kishan unleashed a barrage of 11 fours and 6 sixes.
His 45-ball century was a blend of aggression and composure, steering SRH to a commanding total despite a late stumble in the final overs. Contributions from Nitish Kumar Reddy (30 off 15) and Heinrich Klaasen (34 off 14) complemented Kishan’s heroics, but it was his unbeaten stand that stole the show.
Reflecting on his performance, Kishan said during the press conference, “It feels good. I was hoping for this last season, but I’m happy to get that first hundred now.
The team has put their faith in me, and I want to do my best for them.” His words carried a tone of relief and determination, hinting at the challenges he faced in recent years, including losing his spot in the Indian national team and his BCCI central contract.
A New Lease of Life Under Pat Cummins
A key theme in Kishan’s press conference was the freedom he’s found under SRH’s captain, Pat Cummins, and the franchise’s management.
“The environment is very different here,” Kishan noted. “The captain gives us a lot of freedom and confidence. It doesn’t matter if you score a hundred or get out on a duck—the effort matters. Hats off to him and the management.”
This culture of fearlessness, Kishan credited, allowed him to play his natural game, a stark contrast to his struggles in the past two seasons with Mumbai Indians (MI), where he averaged just 22.85 in IPL 2024.
Kishan’s remarks sparked speculation among fans and analysts about whether he was subtly critiquing his former franchise, MI, where he spent six years and won two titles.
MI’s decision not to retain him ahead of the 2025 auction, despite his earlier highs—including 516 runs in IPL 2020—had raised eyebrows.
His comments about freedom and confidence under Cummins could be interpreted as a veiled jab at MI’s leadership, particularly under captains Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya.
A Befitting Reply to Critics
Kishan’s century wasn’t just a personal triumph—it was a loud response to the Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI selection committee, which sidelined him from the national team after he opted out of Ranji Trophy matches in 2023-24. Despite his domestic exploits and a double century in an ODI against Bangladesh in 2022, Kishan fell behind Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson in the pecking order. His IPL 2025 performance, however, has reignited debates about his international prospects. “I knew this was coming for a while,” Kishan said confidently. “I just wanted to make the most of the opportunity.”
The southpaw’s ability to dominate RR’s bowling attack—including seasoned names like Trent Boult and Yuzvendra Chahal—underscored his potential as a game-changer. SRH’s 286/6 overwhelmed RR, who, despite half-centuries from Sanju Samson and Dhruv Jurel, finished at 242/6, handing SRH a convincing win.
SRH’s Batting Might and Future Prospects
Kishan’s press conference also highlighted SRH’s collective batting prowess. With Head and Sharma setting the tone in the powerplay (94/1 after 6 overs), and Klaasen and Reddy providing the finishing touches, SRH showcased a batting lineup capable of rewriting record books.
The total of 286/6 fell just one run short of their own IPL record of 287, set against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2024. Kishan praised the momentum from the openers: “Travis and Abhishek gave us the start we needed. It made my job easier.”
As SRH embarks on their IPL 2025 campaign, Kishan’s form could be pivotal. His partnership with Head and Sharma at the top, combined with Klaasen’s firepower, positions SRH as a formidable unit. “We want to keep playing with this fire,” Kishan said, echoing SRH’s aggressive ethos under Cummins.
Controversy and Redemption
Kishan’s journey to this point has been turbulent.
From leading India to the U19 World Cup final in 2016 to becoming MI’s most expensive buy (₹15.25 crore) in 2022, his career has seen highs and lows.
His exclusion from Team India and MI’s release left him at a crossroads, but SRH’s faith in him has paid off spectacularly.
The press conference was as much a celebration of his redemption as it was a platform to address lingering questions about his past.
Looking ahead, Kishan expressed optimism: “Hoping to get a few more innings like this for the team.”
For SRH fans, the “Orange Army,” his debut ton is a promising sign of things to come in IPL 2025.
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