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.

Read More: If IPL teams were Marvel characters, here’s the match

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.

The IPL 2025 match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium produced a moment of sheer comedy, thanks to SRH's Ishan Kishan. While fielding close to the boundary, Kishan lost the ball in a side-splitting mishap that left players and spectators in stitches. The incident, which happened during the 27th game of the season, soon became a viral sensation, highlighting the lighter side of cricket.

When the ball hurtled towards the boundary, Kishan rushed to catch it to save SRH some runs. But the white cricket ball fell on a sponsor mat close to the boundary, which was painted white with white writing on it. Kishan, clearly taken aback, stared everywhere wildly, with no idea where the ball had fallen, even though it was only a couple of feet away. The stadium's signage boards, one of which was for "Willow," framed the scene as the crowd laughed. The moment underscored how even little things, such as the sponsorship mat design, can pose surprising issues on the field.

Typical of SRH batters problems, Ishan Kishan could not spot the ball!#IPL2025pic.twitter.com/OWpCWuwXjZ

— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) April 12, 2025

Also Read: Watch: Shikhar Dhawan goes public with rumored girlfriend Sophie Shine in viral Instagram reel

Kishan's error occurred in a game that was of critical importance to SRH, who were trying to defend a fighting total against a formidable Punjab Kings team. SRH under Pat Cummins has had a patchy season, with a poor batting effort in the Powerplay and a wobbly pace attack. Punjab Kings, under captain Shreyas Iyer, were trying to take advantage of SRH's weaknesses with their well-balanced team featuring Glenn Maxwell and Arshdeep Singh.

Ishan Kishan has shown blowing hot and cold

Despite a recent fielding lapse, Ishan Kishan continues to shine as one of Sunrisers Hyderabad’s top performers in IPL 2025. The explosive wicketkeeper-batter has played 6 matches so far, scoring 127 runs at an impressive strike rate of 176.38. His highest score this season is a brilliant unbeaten 106*, showcasing his ability to dominate bowling attacks. With an average of 31.75, one century, 13 fours, and 6 sixes to his name, Kishan’s aggressive style has been a major asset for SRH.

 Supported by the team’s management, he has formed a strong core in the batting lineup alongside Travis Head and Heinrich Klaasen. While his recent on-field confusion added a light-hearted moment to the season, Kishan’s current form and experience make it likely he’ll bounce back swiftly as SRH pushes to stay competitive in the tournament.

Exclusion from BCCI Central contract to a new dawn at Sunrisers Hyderabad, Ishan Kishan has witnessed a lot only at the age of 26. The wicketkeeper-batter, who recently scored a ton for SRH, had named top 5 IPL openers in an interview with whome he'll love to go for a long standing innings. Ishan named indian cricket legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Virendra Sehwag as his favourite opener, but not Virat Kohli. 

A small part of the interview has created attention and notable numbers of engagement from the cricket lovers where we can see Ishan naming his favourite openers names. One of his likeable opener from the present generation is Avishek Sharma, who is the current teammate of Kishan in the SRH camp, and another current generation opener with whome Ishan would like to creat a solid pair is Shubman Gill. Other than Gill and Sharma, The Mumbai born batter has choose Sachin Tendulkar, Virendra Sehwag and Indian skipper Rohit Sharma as his most-liked opening batter. 

Also Read: IPL 2025 SRH vs LSG: player battles to watch out

But the schoking part in the footage is that, Ishan did not name Virat Kohli as his favourite opener. Virat Kohli cemented his legacy mainly as a number 3 batter for team India, but when the team, it can be Team India or Royal Challengers Bangalore, needed him the most, Kohli played at various positions including as an innings opener.  

According to stats provided by ESPN Cricinfo, Virat in IPL scored 4,411 runs as an opening batsman, comparably higher than when he batted at number 3 (2,815 runs) or number 4 (376 runs) in the Indian Premier League. So, when Ishan Kishan summed up his list of top 5 openers containing active players like Rohit, Avishek and Gill but not Virat, it was schoking for may cricket followers. 

Also Read: IPL 2025: RR vs KKR – Barsapara cricket stadium stats and status preview

Ishan Kishan was in the centre of all discussions for his flying innings against the Rajasthan Royals. He came as a number 3 batter of Hyderabad and played an unbeaten 106-run innings only for 47 runs, strike rate 225.53. The innings was decorated with 11 boundaries and 6 over boundaries. The innings played by Ishan Kishan, proved decisive as Rajasthan Royals went all-out with their arsenal to chase down a mammoth 287-run target put by Sunrisers Hyderabad on board in the first innings of the match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on March 23 (Sunday), but could score only 242/6 in 20 overs. 

The SunRisers Hyderabad vs Lucknow Super Giants (SRH vs LSG) match is ready for the seventh game of the IPL 2025, while Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium (Hyderabad) will host it on Thursday evening (March 27). Here, we are going through the Dream11 top captains and vice-captains for the fixture. 

IPL 2025, Match 7: SRH vs LSG Probable XIs

SunRisers Hyderabad Predicted Playing 11: Travis Head/Adam Zampa (Impact Sub), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Aniket Verma, Abhinav Manohar, Simarjeet Singh, Pat Cummins (Captain), Mohammed Shami, Harshal Patel

IPL 2025, Match 7: SRH vs LSG Dream11 Top Captains And Vice-captains

Top 3 Captain's choices

Travis Head: While SRH have the most dangerous batting line-up, Aussie cricketer Travis Head plays the crucial starter role for his team, which exactly matches with his batting character. While the IPL 2024 runners-up SRH started the IPL 2025 with the second-highest IPL total, Head set up the status with his firing 67 off 31 balls with nine fours and three sixes. 

Mitchell Marsh: Despite playing the IPL 2025 only as a batter due to his recovery process from his injury, Australian cricketer Mitchell Marsh highly impressed with the bat during LSG's first game in the IPL 2025, where the opener recorded his joint fastest T20 50 runs in 21 balls and scored 72 off 36 balls with six fours and six sixes to provide a solid start for his team. 

Nicholas Pooran: Caribbean cricketer Nicholas Pooran is one of the busiest T20 cricketers at present, as he holds the most T20 runs record since 2024 with a massive 190+ sixes, as he is one of the most dangerous T20 batters at present. In their season opener, while Pooran was dropped early, he punished the Delhi Capitals with his 75 off 30 balls with six fours and seven sixes. 

See Also: Ishan Kishan’s Top 5 Dream Opening Partners in IPL, Including Legends and Young Talents

Top 3 Vice-captain's choices

Ishan Kishan: What a stunning comeback for Ishan Kishan as he slammed the first century in the IPL 2025 by scoring 106 not out off 47 balls with 11 fours and six sixes to guide SRH to the second-highest total in IPL history. Now, the left-handed batter has to prove his improvement by performing consistently. 

Shardul Thakur: After remaining unsold in the mega auctions, Shardul Thakur is outstanding. After his incredible domestic cricket season as an all-rounder, Thakur has joined LSG as a replacement and picked up two wickets in his first over of the IPL 2025. Despite bowling well in his two overs, Thakur was not allowed to complete his quota, and LSG suffered a surprise one-wicket defeat against Delhi Capitals. So, the importance of Thakur for LSG was very clear in their season opener. 

Heinrich Klaasen: South African cricketer Heinrich Klaasen is now one of the most dangerous middle-order batters, who is popular for his incredible consistency with the bat, along with powerful hits. In their first game of the IPL 2025, while SRH recorded the second-highest IPL total, Klaasen had an effective cameo of 34 off 14 balls with five fours and one six. 

Ishan Kishan, a wicketkeeper-batter for Team India, seems to cast a shadow on Rizwan Mohammad of Pakistan for his constant appealing. Kishan spoke with Anil Chaudhary, a former umpire, and went on to suggest that someone’s level of appeal can get so extreme that the umpire will give the player out even if they shouldn’t.

‘No, these days umpires are wiser,’ Kishan said on a separate occasion. He adds, In my opinion, appealing from behind the stumps needs to be done appropriately; however, umpires might also get fed up with far too many appeals in such a way that people are forced to stop trusting genuine calls. ‘I think umpires have gotten smarter. There are too many unnecessary appeals, where if a player is clearly out, then there could be a chance they are given as not out. It's best to make an appeal only when there's huge confidence so even the umpires trust such judgment,’ Kishan noted. He commented that if he were to become styled like Rizwan, the men in blue may not even think before making the decisions.

Umpire Anil Chauhdary & Ishan Kishan making fun of Rizwan.

pic.twitter.com/HWoZ68cxnd

— M (@anngrypakiistan) March 26, 2025

Also Read: Rabada’s bold take: ‘T20 is just batting, not cricket-where’s the balance?’

This discussion highlights the contrasting approach of players like Dhoni behind the stumps, where appeal after such a standard appeal was granted with such precision, further heightened by the fact that they're rather deep breaths of not dealing with Rizwan over appeals. While Dhoni’s appeals were well calculated, some, like Rizwan, have claims that end up making life tough for officials.

Kishan acknowledged umpiring’s pros and concurred that some umpires are quite respected, but others need to do better. He encouraged new umpires to be firm with their judgment calls and not give in to loud appeals or other outside influences.

Also Read: Ishan Kishan’s Top 5 Dream Opening Partners in IPL, Including Legends and Young Talents

“A few particular umpires are rather comforting to watch in a game, but I think new umpires as a whole need to step up their confidence levels, because at times there is too much second-guessing. If they think a batter is out, they should not need to think twice before raising the finger,” he further stated.

Young wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan has shared his top 5 opening batsmen whom he would like to partner with the opening stand in the IPL. These are some of the cricket's all-time greats, and Ishan has huge admiration for all of them.

1. Virender Sehwag: With his aggressive batting style, Sehwag's bold attitude would make him a thrilling opening partner. Ishan likes Sehwag's capability to attack bowlers from the beginning.

2. Sachin Tendulkar: The "Master Blaster" is arguably the greatest cricketer of all time.Ishan would love to start with Sachin, watching his style and the calmness he possesses in the game.

Ishan Kishan's Top 5 Openers in IPL, He would love to Open with:

- Virendra Sehwag.
- Sachin Tendulkar.
- Rohit Sharma.
- Shubman Gill.
- Abhishek Sharma. pic.twitter.com/H3pu0e0nb7

— Sports Culture (@SportsCulture24) March 26, 2025

ALSO SEE: Watch: Swastik Chikara Talks About Virat Kohli & Casually Checks His Bag

3. Rohit Sharma: Being one of the most successful captains and openers in the history of IPL, Rohit Sharma is a player Ishan looks up to. His pairing with Ishan would be a great combination of experience and youth.

4. Shubman Gill: Young and gifted as an opener, Shubman Gill's cool and aggressive temperament would be an ideal partner for Ishan in the top order.

5. Abhishek Sharma: With loads of potential and a talented young player, Abhishek Sharma's attacking approach would balance Ishan's game and prove to be a superb opening duo.

These 5 openers are all geniuses and would bring their special kind of playing style to the IPL For Ishan Kish

Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium will be the stage for the IPL 2025 match 7 between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on the 27th of March; thus, the game is set to bring a lot to the table. LSG has the steadfast lineup they need to go against SRH, including SRH’s power-packed batting and three key players who could define the outcome.

1. Travis Head (SRH)

All guns blazing, Travis Head has begun IPL 2025 as an exceptional opener, following his stellar IPL 2024 campaign, where he smashed 567 runs at a 191.55 strike rate. Against Rajasthan Royals, in a 50-over match that took place on the 23rd of March, the same day as the season opener, he hit 69 runs off 31 balls. SRH made their 2nd highest IPL total by scoring 286/6. Travis’ arrogant policy of the season prevents LSG’s bowling lineup from appearing to be too strong.

Also Read: LSG playing 11 vs SRH IPL 2025 match 7

2. Nicholas Pooran (LSG)

Nicholas Pooran is still the solid middle-order bat in the LSG team. In IPL 2024, he scored 499 runs at a rate of 178.21. In LSG’s first match of IPL 2025 against Delhi Capitals on March 24, Pooran played a quick 42 off 23 balls, but LSG fell short in a 209/8 chase against DC’s 228/5. In this respect, playing against SRH's pace attack, Pooran’s finishing features will be quite a good deal for the LSG team's chances.

3. Ishan Kishan (SRH)

In the team, Ishan Kishan played a blinder, making an unbeaten 106 off 58 balls in the first match of the IPL 2025. He has shown us that he can take up the role of the other finisher that we were lacking in the past season. Therefore, his blistering starts, especially against LSG’s spinner-like Ravi Bishnoi, might turn the game toward the SRH side. 

Also Read: SRH vs LSG : Match 07 Weather and Pitch report IPL 2025

Head’s explosive style of play, Pooran’s finesse in the final innings, and Kishan’s exceptional skills are the elements that make this promise an exciting match.

Ishan Kishan made his entrance at SunRisers Hyderabad in thunderous style, hitting the first century of IPL 2025 in 45 balls against Rajasthan Royals. Opening for SRH for the first time after leaving Mumbai Indians, the spirited left-handed batsman illuminated the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium with an unbeaten 106 off 47 deliveries, getting the new season off to a roving start.

Walking in on the fourth over following the departure of Abhishek Sharma, Ishan didn't waste a moment getting used to the scenario. Rather, he adopted the SunRisers' aggressive batting DNA immediately, going on to unleash a fierce onslaught on the Rajasthan bowling attack. With six mighty sixes and eleven neat boundaries, Ishan hit at a mind-boggling strike rate of 225.53, taking SRH to an astronomical total of 286 for six, the second-highest score in IPL history.

A Debut to Remember

The innings were not merely about the figures it was about purpose. Ishan was accompanied by Travis Head, who made 67 off 31 balls, to contribute 85 runs for the second wicket in a mere 38 balls. The Rajasthan Royals bowlers, headed by stand-in skipper Riyan Parag, had no solution to the rampage.

Ishan celebrated his milestone with fervor, taking off his helmet, lifting his bat to the crowd, and unleashing a deafening roar of triumph. The Hyderabad crowd greeted him with deafening applause.

As per one commentator, "Ishan's knock was pure SRH style fearless and explosive. It is as if he has been part of this team for years."

ALSO SEE: MS Dhoni’s Lightning-Fast Stumping Stuns Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025

Key Stats from the Match

• Century in 45 balls: Second-fastest IPL hundred by a wicketkeeper after Adam Gilchrist’s 42-ball ton in 2008
• 106 not out off 47 balls: Ishan Kishan’s highest IPL score (previous best was 99)
• 286 for 6: Second-highest team total in IPL history, behind only SRH’s 287 for 3 against RCB in 2024
• Fourth 250-plus score in T20s for SunRisers Hyderabad, the most by any team

SRH’s Top-Heavy Power Show

Prior to Ishan's assumption of responsibility, the tone was set by Travis Head's scorching 67 of 31 balls, supported by Abhishek Sharma's breezy 24 off 11 balls. The trio of batsmen tore apart the Rajasthan Royals' bowling department and reduced the match to a run-fest.

SRH's score of 286 is another addition to the legacy of big-scoring innings after huge totals of 287, 277, and 266 scored in the last season.

Ishan Kishan didn't merely make an announcement he sent a stern message to the rest of the league. SunRisers Hyderabad is returning stronger than ever before, and Ishan Kishan has marked himself out as one of their brightest stars.

The incident, which took place near the boundary, Kishan was to make a diving stop to thwart a boundary during Rajasthan Royals’ innings in the run-chase. And this is where he got injured in his knee. Quite seriously and was found sitting outside the ropes with the physio.

He joined in following a blazing 19-ball 45-run opening partnership between Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma. Kishan was quick to get on with it by striking two fours in a row against Maheesh Theekshana. In the process, he achieved his fifty in just 25 balls and then seemed to have gathered even more pace, getting to his first IPL century in only 20 extra balls.

Ishan Kishan batted exceptionally and accumulated an unshaken 106 runs off only 47 balls. His innings proved to be the missing link that SRH required to overwhelm the opponents and to set a record of 286/6, which is just below the highest score in the IPL series. 

Ishan Kishan's knee was hurt while fielding and he is now limping.

Heartbreaking 💔😔 pic.twitter.com/TkD6Ar9sNr

— Cricket Addictor (@AddictorCricket) March 23, 2025

Also Read: Sunrisers Hyderabad Rewrite IPL History: Becomes Second-Highest Total as SRH Dominates Top 3 Spots

The absence of Ishan Kishan may be quite off-setting for the franchise. Being one of India's cricketers, he plays a big role in the national team and his absence is likely to be felt not only by the players but by fans as well.

Pat Cummins' Leadership: A Game-Changing Style

Cricket is as much a game of confidence and attitude as it is of ability. A good captain has a very important role to play in shaping the mind and attitude of the team. Indian cricketer Ishan Kishan recently praised Pat Cummins as a captain. He said that Cummins gives freedom to every single player regardless of the fact that he makes a century of runs or gets out on zero runs. This indicates one of the most important qualities of an exceptional captain to make others feel at ease in a moment of pressure.
The Role Played by the Inspirational Captain
It is not only a captain's duty to lead the team on the field but to establish a good and strong team culture. When the players feel safe and secure, they play more confidently. This Pat Cummins knows all too well because he is a team captain. When he leaves his players alone and free to play, they are more comfortable in risking things and just being themselves. With such a mindset, the players are focused on playing their own game naturally rather than being fearful of losing.

Ishan Kishan said, "hats off to Pat Cummins. He's given freedom to everyone in the team, it doesn't matter if we score a hundred or get out on a duck". pic.twitter.com/I0yqulbgTm

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 23, 2025

Freedom to do The most significant of these is trust. If the captain trusts his players, they are more at ease in taking risk decisions. Cummins' captaincy gives freedom to players to play aggressively without worrying about making errors. Such leadership not only enhances individual performances but also the team. Players are at liberty to take charge in an effort to make the team victorious.