IPL: Kishan shines in SRH practice match with blazing 64
What's the story
Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan, who was released by the Mumbai Indians (MI), displayed his phenomenal talent in a recent intra-squad match for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
He was bought by SRH for 1.25 crore at the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) mega-auction.
The player, who has been absent from international cricket since November 2023, smashed 64 runs off just 23 balls on March 15.
The performance is viewed as a strong statement from Kishan ahead of the upcoming season.
Match highlights
Kishan outshines Abhishek Sharma in SRH practice match
In the intra-squad match, Kishan opened the innings with Abhishek Sharma.
The duo got off to a flying start during the powerplay, scoring 46 runs in just 2.2 overs before Sharma was dismissed for 28 runs off eight balls.
After his partner's dismissal, Kishan maintained his aggressive batting style and reached his 50 before being caught by Kamindu Mendis in the eighth over.
At that point, Kishan's team's score was a solid 117/3 from 7.2 overs.
Comeback story
Kishan's journey back to IPL with SRH
Kishan's return to the IPL comes after a break from international cricket and being dropped from the national team and BCCI contract for leaving midway through the South Africa series in 2023.
After his ouster, he was advised by then-coach Rahul Dravid to return to domestic cricket if he wished to reclaim his spot on the national team.
After some initial reluctance, Kishan returned and was part of an intense bidding war during the IPL 2025 mega-auction.
Team dynamics
Kishan's IPL auction and potential role in SRH
During the IPL 2025 mega-auction, Kishan's base price of ₹2 crore drew bids from his old team, MI, and the Punjab Kings.
The bidding reached ₹10 crore when Delhi Capitals entered the fray, resulting in a fierce battle with Punjab.
As mentioned, SRH eventually bagged Kishan for ₹11.25 crore.
Although he shone as an opener during practice sessions, it is doubtful he will remain one as Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head formed a solid opening pair last year.
Numbers
Kishan's 2024 IPL and overall numbers
Playing for the Mumbai Indians in 2024, Kishan featured in 14 matches. He managed 320 runs at 22.86 with a strike rate of 148.84.
He smashed a solitary fifty.
Overall, he has racked up 2,644 runs in 105 IPL matches at 28.43, including a strike rate of 135.87.
The batter also boasts 16 fifties and a highest score of 99.
Domestic cricket
Kishan had a reasonable 2024-25 domestic cricket season
The wicketkeeper batter shone during the 2024-25 domestic season, playing in all three tournaments.
He represented Jharkhand in these tournaments.
In the Ranji Trophy, he managed 176 runs in six innings at an average of 29.33, including a 101-run knock against Railways.
Meanwhile, in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he smashed 316 runs in seven innings at 45.14 (one hundred).
In the Syed Musthaq Ali Trophy, he amassed 161 runs in six innings at 32.20 (one fifty).