(Image source from: x.com/SunRisers)
During IPL 2024, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) elevated their batting performance to extraordinary levels. With the arrival of Ishan Kishan, who joined a formidable line-up, there was much speculation about the possibility of them becoming the first team to achieve a score of 300 runs in the IPL. In their inaugural match of IPL 2025, they came incredibly close to that milestone, largely due to Kishan's explosive 45-ball century during his debut with the franchise, along with the strong start from Abhishek Sharma. Ultimately, they fell short by 14 runs of the 300-mark and just two runs shy of the IPL record they had established the previous season, yet it was a powerful demonstration of their ambitious goals and capabilities. Kishan proved to be a significant improvement over their former No. 3, Rahul Tripathi. He effortlessly integrated into SRH’s batting order, smashing an unbeaten 106 runs off just 47 deliveries, marking his maiden IPL century. With contributions from Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, who together amassed 94 runs within the first six overs, achieving the fifth highest powerplay score, Kishan took charge from there.
Rajasthan Royals (RR) put up a respectable effort in their chase, with Sanju Samson and Dhruv Jurel matching the aggressive style and strength of SRH’s batting lineup, each scoring half-centuries. Late-game hits from Shimron Hetmyer, the only international player in RR’s squad, helped push the total score to 528, marking the second highest aggregate in IPL history; however, such a massive target remained beyond reach. The flat and conducive pitch in Hyderabad, combined with erratic bowling from RR's side, set the stage for another outstanding performance from Abhishek. After taking two dot balls from Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abhishek ignited the fireworks by striking him for boundaries past mid-on and extra-cover with consecutive hits.
Maheesh Theekshana, selected over his senior teammate Wanindu Hasaranga, had a rocky beginning, committing a front-foot no-ball and delivering an off-side wide before Head punished him with a four and a six. This aggressive start compelled RR to employ death bowling tactics right from the powerplay. In his fourth over, a well-placed delivery from Theekshana prompted a mis-hit from Abhishek, resulting in a catch at point that ended their opening partnership at 45 runs off just 19 balls.
Out of the first 13 balls Kishan faced, six resulted in boundaries or traveled over them, epitomizing SRH's explosive batting style. Like Head, Kishan frequently positioned himself on the leg side, aiming to launch the ball into the sky. He appeared unbothered by Theekshana’s elusive spin, Jofra Archer’s speed, or Tushar Deshpande’s variations. Unfortunately for Archer, his return to the IPL was far from pleasant, finishing with figures of 4-0-76-0, a record for the most runs conceded in a single spell in the league. Head punished him in his opening over, hitting four fours and a six for a total of 23 runs, and his situation only deteriorated from there. Conversely, Deshpande had a more successful outing, striking back from injury to dismiss Head for 67 off 31 balls on his very first over.
Kishan took control of the batting performance, reaching his half-century in just 25 deliveries. He achieved this milestone by creating space for himself and launching a delivery from Archer over extra-cover for a six. Following that, Kishan accelerated to his century in 47 balls, making a statement at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal. As he returned to the dugout, he acknowledged the crowd by raising his bat towards every section of his new home.
On the other hand, RR faced a difficult beginning, losing both Yashasvi Jaiswal and their captain Riyan Parag within the initial two overs of their innings. Simarjeet Singh's relentless approach had caused the downfall of both players. Following that, when Mohammed Shami dismissed Nitish Rana, who scored only 11 runs off eight balls, RR found themselves struggling at 50 for 3 in the fifth over.
Samson, who was healing from a finger injury and entered the game as their Impact Player, formed an impressive partnership of 111 runs with Jurel off 59 balls. He appeared to be in no pain as he hit four sixes, including a well-executed hook shot off Shami, which marked the beginning of his innings.
Jurel, on the other hand, was particularly aggressive against the pace bowlers and consistently cleared the boundaries. By employing spinners and Cummins during the middle overs, SRH successfully allocated Harshal Patel's overs for maximum effect. Harshal outsmarted Samson with a slower bouncer in the 14th over, and shortly after, Adam Zampa, SRH's Impact Player, dismissed Jurel, who scored 70 runs off 35 balls, caught at long-on. SRH secured a victory that improved their net run rate and sent a warning to their opponents.
