Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) took young leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari against a strong Delhi Capitals batting lineup. Many wondered if he was ready for the big stage like IPL, but he proved them wrong with a fantastic performance against Delhi Capitals. He showed great skill and confidence, taking the wickets of Jake Fraser-McGurk and Faf du Plessis.

The IPL is all about giving chances to young players, and Ansari grabbed his opportunity and showed his skills on this big stage. SRH made a smart buy at the IPL 2025 mega auction, getting him for just INR 40 lakh. He made like dream debut, not only dismissing Faf and McGurk but also KL Rahul back for just 15 runs. It was a perfect start to his IPL journey for him.

A Dream Debut ✨

Zeeshan Ansari couldn't have asked for better wickets in his maiden #TATAIPL appearance 🧡

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/L4vEDKyVsb#DCvSRH | @SunRisers pic.twitter.com/WHKiLX30Uw

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 30, 2025

Who is Zeeshan Ansari? Dream Debut in the IPL

Zeeshan Ansari is a promising leg-spinner from Uttar Pradesh who has been making a name for himself in domestic cricket. His impressive performances, taking 17 wickets in just five first-class matches. He was also part of the 2016 Under-19 Cricket World Cup squad, playing alongside Rishabh Pant.

ALSO READ: Jofra Archer’s Historic Maiden Over in IPL 2025

His strong showing in the UP T20 League, where he took 24 wickets in 12 matches at an economy of 7.63, made him a player to watch. SRH spotted his potential and signed him for INR 40 lakh a move that is already proving to be a masterstroke.

Zeeshan Ansari Bowling Stats

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.

England pacer Jofra Archer had a nightmare comeback to the Indian Premier League (IPL), giving away 76 runs in four overs  the costliest bowling spell in the history of the tournament. Playing for Rajasthan Royals in his first IPL game since 2023, Archer's return was tainted by a Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) onslaught, who scored a record 286/6, one run shy of the all-time IPL record of 287.

The worst IPL bowling figures were previously held by Mohit Sharma, who conceded 73 runs in 2024. Archer now leads that unhappy list after being dismantled for 10 fours and 4 sixes in his four overs on a thumping Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium wicket in Hyderabad.

How Archer's Four Overs Unfolded

1st Over (Over 5 of the match): Archer's IPL 2025 started badly as Travis Head blasted 23 runs off the over, four boundaries, and one six. Only a solitary dot ball gave the bowler any relief.

2nd Over: Matters stabilized slightly but continued to leak runs. Nitish Reddy punched two sharp boundaries as Archer cost 12.

3rd Over: Ishan Kishan arrived at the party, hitting three sixes on his way to a merciless hundred. The over-hemorrhaged 22 runs.

4th Over: Archer's last over described his spell five from the no-ball, three fours by Heinrich Klaasen, and one final four by Kishan added up to the over's total of 23, clinching his unwanted mark of 0/76.

Sunrisers Dominate with the Bat

SRH resumed their batting massacre, and Ishan Kishan did it with a blistering 106 not out off just 47 balls on his debut for the franchise. Travis Head (67 off 31) provided the momentum at the top, while Klaasen's late flourish (34 off 14) made a terrifying 286/6 total, which is now the second-highest in IPL history.

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

Top 5 Most Expensive Spells in IPL

• Jofra Archer (2025) – 0/76
• Mohit Sharma (2024) – 0/73
• Basil Thampi – 0/70
• Yash Dayal (2023) – 0/69
• Reece Topley & Luke Wood (2024) – 0/68

Rajasthan Fights But Falls Short

Despite the steep target, Rajasthan Royals fought out a gallant chase, remaining at 242/6. Captain Sanju Samson (66 off 37) and Dhruv Jurel (70 off 35) powered the show, but early damage was too much to counter.

Match Summary

Sunrisers Hyderabad: 286/6

• Ishan Kishan: 106* (47)
• Travis Head: 67 (31)
• Tushar Deshpande: 3/44

Rajasthan Royals: 242/6

• Dhruv Jurel: 70 (35)
• Sanju Samson: 66 (37)
• Harshal Patel: 2/34

Jofra Archer's comeback was supposed to strengthen the Royals' pace bowling, but it became a record-breaking night for all the wrong reasons. With SRH now having four of the top five IPL totals including three in 2024 alone their merciless batting lineup seems set to overpower once again in 2025.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) made full use of the batting-friendly conditions at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Sunday, March 23, as they amassed a massive total of 286/6 in their 20 overs against Rajasthan Royals in the second match of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.Twitter went crazy after SRH won their first match at home ground . Fans loved Head shots and ishan kisan aggressive batting, and memes filled social media in celebration.

IPL 2025 – Match 2 Highlights (SRH vs RR)

SRH Innings (286/6 in 20 overs)

•  Ishan Kishan – 106* (47) Maiden IPL century
•  Travis Head – 67 (31)
•  One of the highest team totals in IPL history

RR Innings (242/6 in 20 overs)

•  Riyan Parag – 70 (36)
•  Sanju Samson – 66 (41)
•  Fell short by 44 runs despite a strong fight

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

Twitter reactions after SRH win 2nd of IPL 2025

SRH players celebrating like they just got free biryani for life. Meanwhile, the losing team is still trying to find the 'Ctrl+Z' button. 🤣🔥 #IPL #SRH #MatchFix
...I mean MatchWon"#SRHvRR #TATAIPL2025 #kavyamaran pic.twitter.com/yOy81rWct4

— Indian Circus (@Indiancircuss) March 23, 2025

SRH Clearly Telling to All other Teams what they are Going to do in IPL 2025 🧡🔥

And

Ee okka Match tho Migilina Anni teams ki OKA CLARITY kuda Vachindi 😭😂 pic.twitter.com/4SCdgMVPdr

— SRHism (@SRHismHyd) March 23, 2025

I mean i was really feared for the hype everyone created for SRH
Ok i see SRH has really made them fear and they proved their hype 🤣pic.twitter.com/FFvl8nbGXt

— sunny 🦅🧡 (@SrrrH_Fans) March 23, 2025

Mark the Date ,

May 25th SRH Going to Winning the 2025 IPL Cup @SunRisers 🥵 pic.twitter.com/om98idp7S5

— Ｍａａｈｉ🚩 (@mr_maahi76) March 23, 2025

Pat Cummins needs to be appreciated .❤️💪.

What he has Done to SRH is really exceptional.

From previous year out of nowhere SRH brand value and popularity Sky rocketed 🚀 .#IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/CD9jmTcB8f

— HomeLander_Raj (@RajHomelander) March 23, 2025

The most common reactions you'll see on social media after SRH's innings today:
"Told you, this team is going nowhere." 🤦‍♂️
"In search of gold, we lost a diamond." 💎➡️🪙
"RR traded gold for plastic." 🏆➡️🗑️
"The top management has no clue who to pick at the auction." 🤷‍♂️💰
"Who…

— ABDUL RAZACK (@RazackAbdullah) March 23, 2025

#riyanparag nuv edaithe expect chesavo ade jarigindi.
SRH WON THE MATCH 🔥🔥🥵💥💥💥#SRHvsRR pic.twitter.com/OGnV7haKE1

— 🦁Bhͥarͣaͫth Reddii 🏹 (@Bharathreddybr) March 23, 2025

Pat Cummins --

" Iske liye toh Main

Champion trophy bhi nahi khela "

😊#IPL2025#SRH #SRHvsRR pic.twitter.com/Y93y34wFWk

— रljeev🇮🇳 (@RajeevTiwariIND) March 23, 2025

Playing with fire & winning 🔥

SRH won the match against RR 🏏#PlayWithFire #OrangeArmy#TATAIPL2025 #IPL2025 #SRHvRR pic.twitter.com/Tb476to2tw

— IndiaGlitz Telugu™ (@igtelugu) March 23, 2025

Guys and girls.....
We have to suffer like this for 5 seasons at least and they all are young so they will be there playing for SRH in the near future.
SRH is set for the future ngl. Well done Kavya Maran. 👏👏👏#RRvsSRH #SRHvRR #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/xHvNEZ0rBq

— IndiUnited (@United_Indi7) March 23, 2025

SRH batting amma rey
Dey RR uu Mee kutha chekeatharu SRH 💥💯
Bemgudame enka🥵🔥#TATAIPL2025 #SRHvRR pic.twitter.com/4JMSN1vaAb

— SrinivasKalyan (@AmpoluKalyan) March 23, 2025

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.

Life has been pretty rocky for Ishan Kishan after he was released by the Mumbai Indians (MI) before IPL 2025 but the young wicketkeeper batter has bounced back magnificently proving his critics wrong with a phenomenal performance for his new franchise, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Kishan was once regarded as one of the most important players for MI, but things have not been as easy for Kishan ever since MI decided to release him off their roster.

BCCI Snubbing Contract and Indian’s Shocking Decision

He did not only face challenges after MI’s Kishan release but also was absent from domestic cricket leading to him being excluded from the BCCI’s central contracts. That rough patch coupled with the previously discussed factors led him not appearing on the personal diving list of the BCCI for a couple of years which affected his ability to play for other domestic teams too. Kishan being released came as a shock to many given the role he played while subsequently MI decided to retain Tilak Varma instead which left many scratching their heads as Kishan has helped MI tremendously.

ALSO READ:-Why Simarjeet Singh Was Picked Over Chahar & Zampa?

Kishan’s Redemption with SRH Came In The Form of Flexibility

When Kishan made his first appearance for On a positive note, he on debut managed to score over one hundred runs against the *Rajasthan Royals* batting with a strike rate of slightly under 250. It was not too long before people began calling this phenomenal launch SRH to become the pitching hub for players trying to held ranging of 286/6 which ended up being the second highest number of runs scored goals behind the Mumbai Indians.

ALSO READ:-Pat Cummins' Leadership: My Thoughts :By Ishan Kishan

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.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) executed an extraordinary batting performance against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL), reaching an enormous total of 286/6. This extraordinary achievement placed them at the second spot for IPL totals which stands just behind their own 287/3 record set against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) earlier this season.

SRH's explosive batsmen launched an aggressive assault against RR's bowlers from the beginning. The innings showcased a relentless attacking style combined with powerful strokes and brilliant partnerships which left the opposition unable to control the run flow.
The top three positions for IPL high scores belong to SRH.

And @SunRisers post 286-6 which is the 2nd highest score in IPL history and just 1 run behind the highest score 287-3 which SRH smashed last year. No way will @rajasthanroyals be able to chase this down. @ParagRiyan - who has captained RR for the first time - will remember this… pic.twitter.com/ojgYO8BYPU

— Nikhil Ram (@Nikhil_Rams) March 23, 2025

Also Read: Head-ache for Bowlers! Travis Head’s Fiery Season Opener

The record books now show SRH as the dominant force by securing the top three highest team totals in IPL history through their exceptional performance. The trio of massive scores they achieved within a single season demonstrates their bold and aggressive cricket style: 

• 287/3 vs RCB (2024) – Highest IPL score ever
• 286/6 vs RR (2024) – Second-highest IPL total.
• 277/3 vs Mumbai Indians (2024) – IPL’s Third-Highest Total 

The trend of huge scores has emphasised SRH's unparalleled capacity to consistently score record-breaking totals. Their bowling line-up, and their batting unit on its day, is better than any other team, and they have been making history in every game.

Also Read: Why Simarjeet Singh Was Picked Over Chahar & Zampa?

With the 2025 season upon us, SRH will have plenty of eyes watching them to continue this run of form and who knows, maybe go better than their own 287. And for RR-and the rest of the league-the task ahead is laid out in neon lights: Find a way to withstand the SRH batting juggernaut, or risk being bruised in the gale force winds of runs.

Chahar’s Absence and Zampa’s Position

Deepak Chahar had a medical emergency which meant that he was not available for selection. That meant the team needed an alternative pacer. At the same time, Adam Zampa, a specialist leg-spinner, was also absent because the conditions of the pitch and the match were spin unfriendly.

ALSO READ:-DC VS LSG: Weather and Pitch report

Tactical Decision and Simarjeet’s Form

Simarjeet Singh was chosen due to his ability to bowl at different phases of the game, making him an ideal selection for balance in the squad. Singh was a dominant figure in the pace attack due to the advanced form he had been in recently. This combined with his fitness and ability to perform under pressure made him stand out.

ALSO READ:-Head-ache for Bowlers! Travis Head’s Fiery Season Opener

The selection of Simarjeet Singh was an intelligent decision in order to provide balance to bowling resources for the match and the conditions. The decision goes on to show the faith the coaches have in our younger, fitter players who perform in difficult conditions.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) began their IPL season with exceptional performance due to Travis Head's dazzling innings. At Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal, the Australian opener delivered an exceptional performance by scoring 67 runs from 31 balls, at strike rate of 216.2. SRH's campaign opener saw him set an ideal tone through his innings which included nine boundaries and three towering sixes. 

Also Read: IPL 2025: MS Dhoni’s Viral Statement on Playing for CSK Forever

Head came out looking to attack, and without delay attacked the opposing bowlers with no hesitation whatsoever. He managed to dismantle the bowling attack with ease and left the crowd in disbelief with his combination of skillful strokeplay and audacious shot selection. The left hander gaves an exhibition of his T20 skills, making full use of the powerplay, where he scored 45 runs off 18 balls at a staggering strike rate of 250.

Take a bow, Travis Head! His explosive batting has become a real head-ache for bowlers this season. Fans are calling him "SRH’s Powerplay Punisher" and "The Orange Storm. His fearless hitting has put bowlers on notice in the IPL. Head is all set to be SRH’s biggest game-changer this season!

A classic Travis Head innings and the runs are flowing for SRH! 💥

Follow live: https://t.co/NqpliiKtPX | #SRHvRR #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/LXszBt5HPW

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) March 23, 2025

Also Read:  Vijay Mallya on RCB’s Win – Bowling Finally Gets Its Due!

His performance established SRH's initial base while securing their early match dominance. Head’s skill in identifying gaps and effortlessly hitting boundaries placed tremendous pressure on his opponents, establishing him as the game's standout performer. His performance combined graceful technique with raw strength to reinforce his status as a transformative player. 

Fans of SRH erupted in celebration as Head raised his bat to acknowledge the crowd after his explosive innings. The franchise will be hoping the Australian star keeps his hot form going for their IPL campaign. Travis Head has definitely made a statement with an explosive start, and it is clear he will be a key player for SRH this season.