SRH Beat RR by 44 runs
- KKR 286/6 (20)
- RCB 242/6 (20)
PLAYER OF THE MATCH
Ishan Kishan
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have redefined power-hitting in the IPL, and with the addition of Ishan Kishan, their batting lineup has reached new heights. After a record-breaking IPL 2024, many wondered if SRH would be the first team to breach the 300-run mark in IPL history. In their IPL 2025 opener, they came tantalizingly close, posting a mammoth 299/3, just one run short of their own record. Kishan’s stunning 45-ball century on debut and the fiery opening partnership of Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma sent a strong warning to the rest of the league.
Kishan’s Dream Debut: A Perfect Fit for SRH’s Power Game
Replacing Rahul Tripathi at No. 3, Kishan proved to be an upgrade, smashing an unbeaten 106 off 47 balls—his first IPL century. With Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma setting the tone with a blistering 94-run powerplay, Kishan capitalized on the momentum. His relentless aggression ensured SRH maintained their high-scoring template, taking down Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) bowlers with ease.
Royals’ Brave Chase Falls Short Despite Samson & Jurel’s Heroics
Despite SRH’s towering total, Rajasthan Royals (RR) fought back, with Sanju Samson and Dhruv Jurel leading a spirited chase. Their half-centuries and late fireworks from Shimron Hetmyer helped RR reach 229/9, contributing to a match aggregate of 528 runs, the second-highest total in IPL history. However, chasing such a monumental target was always going to be a daunting task.
Travishek Duo Runs Riot Again
Hyderabad’s flat pitch and RR’s erratic bowling set the perfect stage for another masterclass from Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma—now dubbed the “Travishek” duo. After a quiet first couple of deliveries, Abhishek kickstarted the onslaught, smashing boundaries at will. Maheesh Theekshana, chosen ahead of his Sri Lankan senior Wanindu Hasaranga, struggled early, conceding free runs through no-balls and wides.
With RR forced into bowling death overs from the powerplay itself, SRH continued their relentless assault. Theekshana finally broke the opening stand at 45 off 19 balls, but the damage was already done.
Ishan Kishan Announces His Arrival in Hyderabad
Kishan wasted no time in making his mark. Six of the first 13 balls he faced found the boundary or cleared it, embodying SRH’s ultra-attacking philosophy. Jofra Archer, Tushar Deshpande, and Theekshana all struggled to contain him. Archer, making his return to the IPL, endured a nightmare spell, conceding 76 runs in four overs, the most expensive spell in IPL history.
With Head departing for 67 off 31 balls, Kishan took center stage. He raced to a 50 off 25 balls before accelerating further to bring up his century off 47 balls, marking his arrival in grand fashion at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal.
Rajasthan Royals’ Six-Hitting Response
RR’s chase got off to a rocky start, losing Yashasvi Jaiswal and captain Riyan Parag inside two overs. Simarjeet Singh delivered early blows, while Mohammed Shami removed Nitish Rana shortly after. At 50/3 in the fifth over, RR looked in deep trouble.
Enter Sanju Samson and Dhruv Jurel—the duo counterattacked with a brilliant 111-run partnership off 59 balls. Samson, coming in as an Impact Player, showed no signs of his recent finger injury, hammering four massive sixes, including a stunning pull shot off Shami. Jurel matched his aggression, taking on SRH’s pacers with fearless stroke play.
SRH’s Tactical Bowling Seals the Win
To control the run flow, SRH cleverly deployed spinners and Pat Cummins in the middle overs, delaying Harshal Patel’s overs for the death. The plan worked as Harshal dismissed Samson with a deceptive slower bouncer in the 14th over. Adam Zampa, SRH’s Impact Player, followed up by removing Jurel in the next over for a well-made 70 off 35 balls.
With RR losing momentum, SRH wrapped up an NRR-boosting victory, stamping their authority early in IPL 2025. This emphatic win sends a strong message to their rivals—SRH’s power-hitting revolution is here to stay.