Ishan Kishan shared that he immediately picked up the phone after being bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for INR 11.25 crore (around USD 1.34 million) at the IPL 2025 auction. Curious about what playing for SRH would feel like, he reached out to teammate Abhishek Sharma to ask if he was expected to go all out from the start. Abhishek’s response was clear
"That's exactly your role – hit every ball, enjoy yourself, and have fun." This simple but empowering message became a theme for Kishan's approach to the game.
Kishan’s 106* off 47 balls against Rajasthan Royals wasn’t just about the milestone, but also about embodying SRH’s explosive batting style. Reflecting on his century, he said,
"It wasn’t just about the hundred, but about the mentality we have as a team – if the ball is there, go for it. That’s how we’ll approach the tournament, whether we’re in a good phase or not."
His explosive knock, alongside key partnerships with Travis Head (85 off 38) and Nitish Reddy (72 off 29), helped Surisers Hyderabad post 286 (second highest total in IPL)
ADVERTISEMENT
Loading...
Kishan’s IPL debut for SRH comes after a mixed run in domestic cricket and a challenging 2024 IPL campaign. At SRH, he was asked to bat at No. 3, a role shift from his usual opening spot at Mumbai Indians. He credited his clarity about the new role to the captain and coach, particularly Pat Cummins, who kept things simple and encouraged attacking play without pressure.
Kishan also shared how he stayed focused during difficult times, including losing his BCCI central contract.
"I didn’t dwell on past disappointments. I focused on the present and worked hard for the future," he said.
His performance for SRH, supported by his family and fans, was a reminder of his resilience and commitment.
