Ishan Kishan made his first return to the Wankhede Stadium after joining Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for IPL 2025, ending a long stint with the Mumbai Indians (MI). The Indian Premier League, often known for its glamorous and high-stakes nature, is equally rich in emotions—on and off the field. Ishan’s appearance in the orange SRH jersey at his former home ground added a sentimental touch to the match.

Unfortunately, the homecoming didn’t go as planned for Ishan Kishan, who managed to score just 2 runs before being stumped by Ryan Rickelton. He had started his IPL 2025 campaign with a blistering century but has struggled with consistency in the matches that followed. The game on April 17 ended in a thrilling win for Mumbai Indians. After the match, during the customary handshake, Ishan walked up to Nita Ambani and greeted her warmly, receiving a gentle pat on the cheek in return—an emotional moment that reflected his deep connection with the franchise he once represented.

The MI vs SRH clash was further intensified by the unpredictable nature of the Wankhede pitch. SRH posted a modest total of 162/5, and despite the average target, the match remained competitive. Mumbai Indians eventually chased down the score, making Ishan’s return to his old ground bittersweet, marked by nostalgia, a tough outing with the bat, and an emotional post-match exchange.

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Nita Ambani with former MI Boy, Ishan Kishan 🌟 pic.twitter.com/EFPCpk18iC

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 17, 2025

Sunrisers Hyderabad have jolted thier playoffs qualifiaction chances

To stay in the hunt for the IPL 2025 playoffs, Sunrisers Hyderabad need to win at least six of their remaining seven league games. Securing 16 points would place them in strong contention for a top-four finish. However, simply winning may not be enough. SRH must focus on achieving dominant wins to improve their Net Run Rate (NRR), which often plays a deciding role when multiple teams are tied on points.

In addition to winning matches, SRH must address their inconsistency, particularly in the batting department. While their bowling unit has delivered promising performances, the batters have struggled to provide reliable support. To turn their season around, the team needs a more balanced showing from both ends. Every player’s contribution will be vital as the team enters a decisive phase. By building momentum through consistent performances and improving their NRR along the way, Sunrisers Hyderabad can still carve out a path to the playoffs, even after a shaky start to their campaign.