IPL 2025: The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been a platform where new talent and big moves are tested under pressure.

Switching franchises comes with weighty expectations, and only a handful of players have managed to make their mark with a century on debut for a new side.

With IPL 2025 underway, Ishan Kishan has now joined this rare club, lighting up Hyderabad with a magnificent hundred on his first outing for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).

Ishan Kishan’s Heroic Start for SRH

Sunrisers Hyderabad got off to a flying start in IPL 2025, thrashing Rajasthan Royals by 44 runs. But the night belonged to Ishan Kishan, who produced an unforgettable debut knock. After Travis Head's explosive start, scoring 67 off just 31 balls, Ishan Kishan took centre stage. He combined timing, power and fearless intent, sending the ball to all corners of the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.

Kishan and Head put together an 85-run partnership, but the best was yet to come. Once Head departed, Kishan went into overdrive. Whether it was Tushar Deshpande or Kuldeep Sen, every bowler faced the wrath of Kishan’s clean hitting. Supported by quick cameos from Nitish Kumar Reddy (30 off 15) and Heinrich Klaasen (34 off 14), Kishan hammered an unbeaten 106 off just 47 balls. His innings featured 11 fours and 6 sixes, bringing up his century on the last ball of the 19th over. SRH posted a mammoth total of 286/6, leaving Rajasthan Royals stunned.

Brendon McCullum — The Original Showstopper

The first batter to achieve this feat was Brendon McCullum for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) during the inaugural IPL match on April 18, 2008. The New Zealand opener made headlines around the world when he blasted an unbeaten 158 against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). His knock, filled with audacious strokes and fearless aggression, set the tone for what the IPL would become. McCullum's innings still remains one of the most iconic moments in the tournament’s history.

Michael Hussey — The 'Mr Cricket’ Moment

Just a day after McCullum’s heroics, Michael Hussey followed suit for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Facing Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) in Mohali on April 19, 2008, Hussey delivered a masterclass in controlled aggression. His unbeaten 116 not out came off just 54 balls, studded with nine fours and eight sixes. Hussey’s calm, calculated innings laid the foundation for CSK’s huge total and proved his adaptability to the shortest format.

Kishan Joins the Elite Club

With his unforgettable century on debut for SRH, Ishan Kishan has become only the third batter in IPL history to achieve this rare milestone. His performance places him alongside McCullum and Hussey — two legends who shaped the early years of the IPL. Speaking after the match, Kishan said, "I just wanted to express myself. The team gave me the freedom to go out and play my shots. I’m happy I could deliver on debut for SRH."

Rajasthan Royals’ Brave Response Not Enough

While SRH’s batting show was the highlight, Rajasthan Royals did not go down without a fight. Despite losing early wickets to Simarjeet Singh’s double blow, skipper Sanju Samson (66 off 37) and Dhruv Jurel (70 off 35) stitched together a counter-attacking 100-run partnership. But with a mammoth target to chase, RR eventually fell short by 44 runs.