Sunrisers Hyderabad have redefined T20 batting since 2024, adopting a “see ball, hit ball” philosophy. In IPL 2025, they’ve taken aggression to new heights:
- SRH vs RCB 2025: On March 21, SRH smashed 266/7 in 20 overs, powered by Ishan Kishan’s 141 off 52 balls (14 sixes) and Travis Head’s 89 (30 balls). Their 157-run opening stand came in just 9.3 overs!
- Impact of Ishan Kishan: Acquired for ₹18.5 crore in the 2025 mega-auction, Kishan has justified his price tag with 398 runs in 7 innings at a strike rate of 212.
- SRH’s Batting Blueprint: Coach Brian Lara’s mantra of “no half-measures” has turned SRH into a six-hitting factory. They average 18.2 sixes per game in 2025.
3. Ishan Kishan: From Mumbai to Hyderabad – A Meteoric Rise
Ishan Kishan’s journey from Mumbai Indians (MI) to SRH in 2025 has been transformative. Here’s why he’s the talk of the tournament:
Auction Drama
- 2025 Price: ₹18.5 crore (SRH’s costliest buy).
- Role: Replaced Heinrich Klaasen as SRH’s primary wicketkeeper-batter.
Performance Highlights
- 141 vs RCB (2025): The fastest IPL century (42 balls) in 2025, surpassing his own record of 48 balls (2023).
- Strike Rate: 212.3 – the highest among top-10 run-scorers this season.
- Partnerships: His synergy with Travis Head (SRH’s opener) has yielded 4 century stands in 7 games.
Technique & Temperament
Kishan’s ability to switch gears – from anchoring during powerplays to unleashing carnage in death overs – makes him SRH’s backbone. His sweep shots against spinners and audacious scoops against pacers have left bowlers clueless.
4. SRH vs RCB 2025: A Match for the Ages
The SRH vs RCB clash on March 21, 2025, will be remembered as one of IPL’s greatest batting spectacles.
Key Moments
- Powerplay Onslaught: SRH raced to 98/0 in 6 overs, with Kishan hitting 6 sixes off Alzarri Joseph.
- Kishan’s Century: Reached 100 off 42 balls with a helicopter shot off Glenn Maxwell.
- RCB’s Chase: Despite Will Jacks’ 87 (33), RCB fell short by 28 runs (238/8).
Stats That Stunned
- 41 sixes in the match (SRH: 23, RCB: 18) – an IPL record.
- Economy Rates: RCB’s Lockie Ferguson (0/68 in 4 overs) and SRH’s Umran Malik (1/55) had nightmare outings.
5. The Science Behind SRH’s Success
SRH’s record totals aren’t accidental. Here’s their winning formula:
- Aggressive Openers: Kishan and Head average 78.5 as a pair in 2025.
- Depth in Batting: Abdul Samad (SR: 220) and Nitish Reddy (SR: 190) provide firepower down the order.
- Tactical Impact Subs: Using Aiden Markram as a bowling substitute on flat tracks.
6. Ishan Kishan vs The Legends: Where He Stands
Kishan’s 2025 heroics have drawn comparisons with IPL greats:
| Player | Highest Score | Strike Rate | Sixes in an Innings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Gayle | 175* (2013) | 167.3 | 17 |
| Ishan Kishan | 141 (2025) | 212.3 | 14 |
| AB de Villiers | 133* (2015) | 225.0 | 19 |
While Kishan trails Gayle in sheer dominance, his strike rate and consistency put him in elite company.
7. The Road Ahead: Can SRH Break 300?
With SRH’s current form, experts believe the 300-run barrier could fall soon. Here’s what they need:
- Pitch Conditions: Flat tracks like Hyderabad or Bengaluru.
- Player Fitness: Keeping Kishan and Head injury-free.
- Bowling Support: Avoiding meltdowns like Umran Malik’s 1/55 vs RCB.
8. Dream11 Tips for SRH Matches
For fantasy cricket enthusiasts, here’s how to build a winning team:
- Must-Haves: Ishan Kishan (C), Travis Head, Pat Cummins.
- Differential Picks: Nitish Reddy, Abdul Samad.
- Bowlers to Avoid: Lockie Ferguson, T Natarajan (high economy rates).
Conclusion
As IPL 2025 unfolds, SRH’s relentless aggression and Ishan Kishan’s historic exploits are redefining T20 cricket. Whether they breach the 300-run mark or not, one thing is certain: Sunrisers Hyderabad and Ishan Kishan have cemented their legacy as IPL’s most electrifying force.
