Ishan Kishan smashes his maiden IPL century in just 45 balls in his debut game for SRH. Can he solve SRH’s number 3 dilemma? What does this innings mean for Ishan Kishan?
Just 18 months ago, Ishan Kishan was living every cricketer’s dream. Donning the Indian jersey across formats, scoring a historic double-century in ODIs, and being touted as the first choice wicketkeeper in Tests and T20Is when Rishabh Pant was injured, Ishan had it all. But cricket is a game of uncertainties, and fortunes can turn swiftly.
By early 2024, Kishan had lost his place in all three formats, disappeared from the national radar, and was left out of the BCCI’s central contract list. Others had taken his place in the India squad, making the transition seem almost seamless. His once-promising career was at a standstill, leaving fans wondering if he had drifted into obscurity.
But cricket also has a way of rewarding resilience. And on a Sunday evening in Hyderabad, Kishan delivered an innings that could redefine his future.
No. 3 issue for SRH solved?
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) had been eyeing Kishan for a while. They had aggressively bid for him in the 2022 IPL auction, going as high as 15 crore INR before Mumbai Indians went higher with 15.25 crore INR. Two years later, in 2024, they finally got their man.
As Kishan walked onto the field in SRH colours for the first time, the stakes were high. The already explosive batting line-up lacked only a formidable batter at no 3. The team management and the home crowd at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium were hungry for explosive hitting from the batter who would come after Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma. The message was also clear- fearlessness over caution, aggression over hesitation. And Kishan, desperate to re-establish himself, embraced that philosophy with open arms.
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A statement in orange
Facing Maheesh Theekshana, a skilled off-spinner known for his ability to restrict the batters, Kishan didn’t hesitate. On the third ball he faced, he stepped out and lofted it over the bowler’s head for four. It was a small moment but an important one.
By the end of the powerplay, SRH had blazed to 94/1, with Kishan leading the charge. He was relentless against Riyan Parag’s part-time spin, pierced gaps against Sandeep Sharma’s disciplined line, and dismissed even the best-laid plans of the opposition.
A knock to re-establish himself
Kishan struck 11 fours and six sixes in his century. His 25-ball fifty included back-to-back sixes off Jofra Archer, one pulled over fine leg, while the other a loft over cover. It was Kishan at his best- unpredictable, audacious, and unafraid to take on the biggest names in world cricket.
His century came off just 45 balls. As soon as he reached the milestone, he looked up, blew flying kisses toward the stands, and acknowledged his brother, Raj Kishan, who had been watching proudly. It was a celebration of redemption, a statement that he wasn’t finished yet.
Backing brings confidence
For a player like Kishan, environment matters. His free-flowing style thrives when backed by a fearless setup, and that’s exactly what SRH provided. He later credited coach Daniel Vettori and captain Pat Cummins for their unwavering support.
“It’s not that I got a hundred and I am talking about it now, but when I got here, the message was very clear. If the ball is there, just go for it, have your fun, have your moment,” Kishan revealed after the match.
This belief allowed him to play his natural game, without worrying about failures or selection pressure. And when a player of his calibre is given that freedom, magic happens.
Can Kishan get back into the national side?
November 2023 wasn’t long ago, but in cricket, time moves at a different pace. Since then, Ishan Kishan has been on the sidelines, watching as younger players cemented their places.
But innings like these can change narratives. His brutal assault on Rajasthan’s attack was all about intent, hunger, and proving that he still belongs at the highest level. Even Rajasthan Royals’ batting coach Vikram Rathour couldn’t help but acknowledge the brilliance of Kishan’s knock, stating, “When someone scores a century of that kind, there is everything to like about it.”
One innings doesn’t guarantee a comeback, but it does reopen doors. The IPL has often been a launching pad for second chances, and if Kishan can maintain this form, the selectors will have to take notice.
His immediate goal should be to consistently dominate for SRH, adapt to different match situations, and show that he’s more than just an explosive hitter. If he can do that, India’s top order—be it in ODIs or T20Is—may once again have a place for him.
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