Carnage! That was the word echoing in Hyderabad as Ishan Kishan - Jharkhand's Pocket Dynamo-scripted history with a breathtaking century on his debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2025 in their tournament opener against Rajasthan Royals.
With this knock, the Jharkhand wicketkeeper-batter became the first Indian cricketer to smash a ton for the Orange Army, announcing his resurgence in grand style.

Acquired by SRH for a whopping Rs 11.25 crore after an intense bidding war, Kishan was entrusted with the crucial No. 3 spot by skipper Pat Cummins. He justified the faith with a whirlwind unbeaten 106 off just 46 balls, propelling SRH to a mammoth 286/6 - the second-highest team total in IPL history.
Walking in after the in-form duo of Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head set the stage, Kishan unleashed havoc on the Rajasthan Royals' bowlers. His knock featured 11 boundaries and six towering sixes, dismantling the opposition with sheer power and precision.
The 27-year-old's innings was not just about runs; it was a statement. Just a year ago, Kishan had endured a rough patch-his IPL 2024 stint with Mumbai Indians ended in disappointment, with only 320 runs in 14 games and a solitary fifty to his name. MI decided against retaining him, further adding to the woes in a year he had already found himself out of the Indian squad.
Reports surfaced that then-head coach Rahul Dravid was unimpressed with his attitude, particularly regarding domestic cricket commitments. This led to Kishan missing out on BCCI's central contract, putting his future under serious scrutiny.
Rather than dwelling on setbacks, Kishan used them as fuel for his resurgence. He returned to domestic cricket with renewed determination, showcasing his prowess across formats:
His consistent performances across tournaments reaffirmed his status as a top-tier batter. The culmination of this redemption arc came with his remarkable IPL century, solidifying his return to the spotlight and proving that perseverance pays off.
Speaking to broadcasters after his scintillating knock, Kishan expressed his joy and gratitude: "Feels good, it was coming for a while. Wanted to get this last season but happy to get that first hundred. The team has put their faith in me, and I want to do my best for them. The captain has given us all a lot of freedom and confidence, hats off to the management."
With this innings, Kishan has reignited his career and reminded the cricketing world of his immense potential. If this is just the beginning, IPL 2025 could well be the season that sees Ishan Kishan reclaim his place among the cricketing elite.