In IPL 2024, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) redefined explosive batting. With Ishan Kishan joining an already formidable lineup, speculation arose about whether they could become the first team to breach the 300-run mark in the IPL. In their IPL 2025 opener, they came dangerously close, powered by Kishan’s scintillating 45-ball century on his franchise debut and a fiery start from Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma. Ultimately, they fell 14 runs short of 300 and just one run shy of their own IPL record from last season, but it was yet another bold statement of their aggressive approach.
Kishan proved to be an upgrade over their previous No. 3, Rahul Tripathi, seamlessly fitting into SRH’s setup with an unbeaten 106 off 47 balls—his maiden IPL ton. After Head and Abhishek blazed to 94 runs in the powerplay, the fifth-highest in IPL history, Kishan capitalized on the platform and took the attack to the opposition.
Rajasthan Royals (RR) put up a spirited chase, with Sanju Samson and Dhruv Jurel delivering counterattacking half-centuries. Shimron Hetmyer, RR’s only overseas batter in the XI, added late fireworks, contributing to a staggering match total of 528 runs—the second-highest in IPL history. However, the mammoth target ultimately proved insurmountable.
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Travis and Abhishek Unleashes Mayhem Again
A flat Hyderabad pitch and erratic bowling from Rajasthan Royals provided the perfect stage for another Travishek masterclass. After facing two dot balls from Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abhishek Sharma ignited the fireworks, whipping one past mid-on and carving another over extra cover for consecutive boundaries.
Maheesh Theekshana, preferred over his Sri Lankan senior Wanindu Hasaranga, had a forgettable start, overstepping for a no-ball and spraying a wide outside off before Travis Head punished him with a four and a six.
The relentless assault forced RR to bring in their death bowlers as early as the powerplay. In his fourth over, Theekshana finally found success, digging one short and wide to force a mistimed shot from Abhishek, who fell for 45 off just 19 balls, breaking a blistering opening stand.
Kishan Makes a Grand Entrance in Hyderabad
Ishan Kishan wasted no time in stamping his authority, with six of his first 13 deliveries either finding the boundary or clearing it. That explosive start had SRH’s signature all over it.
Much like Travis Head, Kishan stayed leg-side of the ball, looking to launch every opportunity into the stands. Neither Maheesh Theekshana’s mystery spin, Jofra Archer’s raw pace, nor Tushar Deshpande’s variations could unsettle him.
Archer endured a torrid IPL return, recording the league’s most expensive spell with figures of 4-0-76-0. Head had already taken him apart in his first over, smashing four fours and a six in a 23-run assault, setting the tone for a forgettable outing. Meanwhile, Deshpande, back from injury, found success early, dismissing Head for a blistering 67 off 31 balls.
With Head gone, Kishan took full control, racing to his fifty in 25 balls before storming to his century in just 47. As he walked back to the dugout, he soaked in the applause, raising his bat to every corner of his new home at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
RR Join the Six-Hitting Frenzy but Fall Short
Rajasthan Royals had a rocky start, losing Yashasvi Jaiswal and captain Riyan Parag within the first two overs, both dismissed by Simarjeet Singh’s relentless hard-length bowling. When Mohammed Shami sent back Nitish Rana for 11 off eight balls, RR were reeling at 50 for 3 in the fifth over.
Enter Sanju Samson, playing as an Impact Player while recovering from a finger injury. He seamlessly built a 111-run partnership off 59 balls with Dhruv Jurel, showing no signs of discomfort as he launched four sixes, including a stunning hooked shot off Shami to ignite his innings.
Jurel, on the other hand, took the aggressive route against the pacers, repeatedly going over the top. To counter RR’s momentum, SRH cleverly deployed their spinners and Pat Cummins in the middle overs, delaying Harshal Patel’s return to the attack. The move paid off as Harshal dismissed Samson with a well-directed slower bouncer in the 14th over, and Adam Zampa, SRH’s own Impact Player, removed Jurel for a blistering 70 off 35 balls in the next over.
SRH wrapped up a dominant, net run rate-boosting victory, sending a clear message to their rivals.
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FAQs
How did Ishan Kishan perform on his SRH debut in IPL 2025?
Kishan smashed an unbeaten 106 off 47 balls, marking his first IPL century and propelling SRH to a massive total of 286.
What was Jofra Archer’s bowling performance against SRH?
Archer had a forgettable outing, conceding 76 runs in four overs—the most expensive spell in IPL history.
How did Rajasthan Royals respond to SRH’s mammoth total?
Despite losing early wickets, Sanju Samson (half-century) and Dhruv Jurel (70 off 35) fought back, but RR ultimately fell short.
What was the impact of SRH’s opening duo, Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma?
The duo set the tone with a blistering start, adding 45 runs in just 19 balls before Abhishek fell.
How did SRH seal their dominant victory over RR?
With strategic middle-over bowling and key dismissals, SRH controlled the chase and secured a net run rate-boosting win.
