Last Updated:
SRH wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan produced two blistering innings during the practice matches ahead of IPL 2025.
Ishan Kishan was signed by SRH for Rs 11.25 crore. (Credit: IG/sunrisershyd)
With less than a week before the 18th season of the Indian Premier League rolls in, the teams have been fine-tuning their preparations. Last season’s runners-up Sunrisers Hyderabad will hope to go a step ahead this time around having fallen agonisingly short of the title despite a memorable run to the final.
The mega auction last year meant SRH, like other IPL franchises, had to let go of the majority of their squad members but they retained the core group comprising captain Pat Cummins, Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen and Nitish Reddy.
At the auction though, SRH added more firepower to their already explosive batting line-up by snapping up Ishan kishan after an intense bidding war with Mumbai Indians.
Ishan was released by MI ahead of the two-day auction but their hopes of buying the wicketkeeper-batter back were dashed by SRH as the team had the final say.
The 2016 champions forked out Rs 11.25 crore to outbid five-time winners MI in Jeddah and added the talented batter to their roster.
Ishan has started making the right noises and may end up putting the established opening duo of Abhishek and Head under pressure.
During a practice game, the 26-year-old blasted 24-ball 64 to lay down the marker. He also produced another fiery knock, this time racking up an unbeaten 73 in just 30 deliveries.
Ishan will aim to make an impression for SRH during IPL 2025 and hope to make his return to the Indian team. He last played an international match in November 2023.
So far, since making his debut for the now defunct Gujarat Lions in 2016, Ishan has scored 2644 runs from 105 IPL matches at a strike-rate of 135.87. He has 16 fifties to his name including a best score of 99.
SRH will start their season when they host Rajasthan Royals in Hyderabad on March 23.