Ishan Kishan Becomes 1st SRH Batter To Achieve A Huge Feat: In a breathtaking display of power-hitting, Ishan Kishan announced his arrival at Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in style, smashing a scintillating 45-ball century against Rajasthan Royals in their IPL 2025 clash on Sunday. The wicketkeeper-batter, who was overlooked for India’s central contracts in 2024, delivered a masterclass in aggressive batting, leaving fans and critics alike in awe of his talent. His unbeaten 106 off just 47 balls, studded with 11 fours and 6 sixes, propelled SRH to a mammoth total of 286 for 6, setting the stage for a commanding victory.
Kishan, who was acquired by SRH for a staggering ₹11.25 crore in the mega auction, made an immediate impact in his debut match for the franchise. His innings was not just a statement to his detractors but also a timely reminder to the national selectors as the BCCI prepares to announce the central contracts post-tournament. Having been excluded from the 2024 contracts for skipping domestic cricket, Kishan’s blistering knock served as a resounding reply, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure on the biggest stage.
The match, played in the sweltering heat of Hyderabad, saw Rajasthan Royals’ young captain Riyan Parag make a questionable decision to bowl first on a flat batting track. The move backfired spectacularly as SRH’s openers, Travis Head and Kishan, unleashed a relentless assault on the Royals’ bowling attack. Head set the tone with a blazing 67 off 31 balls, laying the foundation for Kishan’s explosive innings. The duo combined to hit 20 fours and 9 sixes, leaving the Royals’ bowlers searching for answers.
Kishan’s century was a blend of elegance and brute force. He effortlessly dispatched the ball to all parts of the ground, displaying a wide array of shots that left the opposition helpless. His ability to accelerate the innings in the middle overs and finish with a flourish in the death overs was a testament to his maturity and skill. SRH looked poised to surpass their own record IPL total of 287, but two late wickets in the final over prevented them from achieving the milestone.
Read also: https://icasportsplus.com/finn-allen-fires-nz-to-series-win-over-pakistan/
On the other hand, Rajasthan Royals’ bowling unit had a day to forget. Jofra Archer, one of their key bowlers, endured a nightmare outing, conceding 76 runs in his four overs without taking a wicket. This marked the worst individual bowling figures in IPL history, further compounding the Royals’ misery. The lack of experience in their attack was evident as they struggled to contain the SRH batters on a pitch that offered little assistance to the bowlers.
Kishan’s heroics not only secured a dominant win for SRH but also reignited the debate about his place in the Indian team. With the IPL being a crucial platform for players to stake their claim for national selection, performances like these are hard to ignore. His ability to deliver under pressure and adapt to different roles makes him a valuable asset, and his latest innings could well be the turning point in his career.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Kishan to see if he can maintain this level of consistency. For Sunrisers Hyderabad, his arrival has added a new dimension to their batting lineup, making them one of the most formidable teams in the competition. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals will need to regroup quickly and address their bowling woes if they are to stay in contention for the playoffs.
In the end, it was a day that belonged to Ishan Kishan, whose sensational century not only lit up the stadium but also sent a strong message to the cricketing world: he is here to stay.
