With the countdown to the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 in its final stretch, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are pulling out all the stops. After coming so close yet finishing as runners-up last season, they’re eager to make it all the way this year and secure their second IPL championship.
In an exciting twist for their lineup, SRH have added an X-factor to their already formidable batting order by signing Ishan Kishan in the IPL 2025 mega auction. They were smart in retaining key players like Pat Cummins, Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen, and Nitish Kumar Reddy, but it was Kishan’s acquisition that truly shook things up. This move didn’t just bolster their top-order batting; it transformed it.
The 2016 IPL champions made waves by outbidding the five-time titleholders, Mumbai Indians, to bring Kishan on board for a whopping INR 11.25 crore during the auction in Jeddah. His release from MI initially suggested he would return to familiar grounds, but SRH’s strategic move reshaped their roster.
Kishan’s recent performances have justified SRH’s investment, putting on a show in intra-squad matches with two remarkable innings: a fiery 64 off 24 balls and an unbeaten 73 from 30 deliveries. His prowess in powerplays and ability to significantly uplift the scoring rate makes him a key asset for SRH this season.
Kishan’s explosive form was evident in the first innings of a practice match where he opened with Abhishek Sharma, creating a powerful left-handed opening duo. They started aggressively, dismantling the bowling attack right from the powerplay.
After Abhishek’s swift 28 off 8 balls ended with a catch in deep cover, Kishan pressed on. He quickly reached his half-century before being caught and bowled by Kamindu Mendis in the eighth over. By then, his team had leaped to 117/3 in just over seven overs, highlighting his tremendous impact as an opener.
Chasing a whopping 261-run target in the second innings of the same practice match, Kishan rose to the occasion again. Faced with SRH’s top bowlers, he showcased his adaptability and strength. Not shy of taking Abhishek’s bowling apart in this innings, Kishan stayed unbeaten at 73 from 30 balls, solidifying his role as a crucial player for SRH in IPL 2025.
There’s been much speculation about where Kishan will slot into SRH’s batting order. Abhishek and Travis Head have established themselves as the preferred openers, but Kishan’s dynamic form makes a strong case for positioning him at No. 3. This strategic placement could allow him to continue his aggressive batting style should an early wicket fall, while also bolstering the lineup between the top and middle order which consists of Klaasen, Nitish Reddy, and Aiden Markram.
Kishan’s presence as a power-hitter could ensure that SRH keeps up a relentless tempo, constantly pressuring the opposition. Given his capability to attack both pace and spin, having him at No. 3 helps SRH maximize their batting potential, aiming for substantial totals and keeping the bowlers on their toes.