Ishan Kishan’s Redemption Knock: Coach Uttam Mazumder Calls It His Best IPL Innings | Exclusive

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Ishan Kishan has found a fresh start at Sunrisers Hyderabad, and he wasted no time making an impact. The dynamic wicketkeeper-batter announced his arrival in style, smashing his maiden IPL century against Rajasthan Royals. His blistering 106* off just 47 balls not only made him the first centurion of IPL 2025 but also powered SRH to a commanding 44-run victory.

Having spent seven seasons with Mumbai Indians, Kishan embraced a new challenge at SRH, and his debut could not have been more spectacular. His innings, laced with 11 fours and six sixes, perfectly complemented SRH's aggressive brand of cricket alongside Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head. SRH's investment of ₹11.25 crore in the mega auction was instantly justified as Kishan dismantled the Rajasthan attack with a breathtaking strike rate of 225.53.

His coach, Uttam Mazumder, hailed the knock as one of Kishan's finest. "This was a statement innings," Mazumder said. "After a tough year where he wasn't getting chances for Team India, this century is a big step toward his comeback. Scoring against world-class bowlers like Jofra Archer and Mahesh Theekshana shows his quality. He particularly dominated Archer, taking 20 runs off his over. Ishan was already in great touch before the IPL, and this knock proves he's back at his best."

OVERCOMING A TOUGH YEAR

Kishan's journey over the past year has been anything but easy. After opting for a break during India's tour of South Africa in 2023, he found himself out of favor with selectors. With KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, and Dhruv Jurel ahead of him in the pecking order, his national team prospects seemed uncertain. However, Mazumder believes Kishan's domestic performances were proof of his resilience.

"He has been phenomenal in domestic cricket-whether it was the Duleep Trophy, Irani Trophy, or Ranji Trophy, he kept scoring," Mazumder pointed out. "I knew he was waiting for the IPL to make a big statement. He has that hunger to prove himself again, and this hundred is just the beginning."

THE HARD WORK BEHIND THE COMEBACK

Mazumder also highlighted Kishan's dedication over the past year. "He has worked incredibly hard," he said. "He focused on fitness, practiced relentlessly, and even turned to meditation to stay mentally strong. Earlier, he would get starts-40s, 50s, 60s-but now, he has converted that into a century. That's the biggest transformation in his game."

MORE TO COME?

With this century, expectations have soared, and his coach believes Kishan will only get better. "This is just the beginning. He will keep improving and have an even bigger impact in this IPL. Ishan is ready to restart his career on a strong note, and I have no doubt he will soon be back in the Indian team."

For Ishan Kishan, IPL 2025 could be the perfect stage to script his redemption.