IPL 2025 [WATCH]: Ishan Kishan dominates SRH intra-squad simulation with blistering back-to-back fifties

With less than a week left before the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 begins, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are leaving no stone unturned in their preparations. Last season’s runners-up will aim to go one step further this time, having fallen just short of lifting their second IPL title despite a spectacular run to the final.

SRH’s power-packed batting unit gets an X-factor in Ishan Kishan

In the IPL 2025 mega auction, SRH strategically retained a core group of players, including Pat Cummins, Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen and Nitish Kumar Reddy. However, they made a high-profile addition to their already explosive batting unit by roping in Ishan Kishan – a move that could alter their top-order dynamics significantly.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2016 champions made a strong statement by outbidding five-time winners MI to secure Kishan’s services for INR 11.25 crore in Jeddah. Having been released by MI before the auction, the wicketkeeper-batter was expected to return to his former team, but SRH swooped in at the last moment, ensuring a significant boost to their firepower.

Kishan’s performances in intra-squad matches have only reinforced SRH’s faith in him. In a recent practice game, he delivered two sensational knocks, first blasting a 64 off just 24 balls, followed by an unbeaten 73 off 30 deliveries. His ability to dominate powerplays and accelerate the scoring rate in the middle overs makes him a game-changer for SRH this season.

A blistering start: Kishan’s practice match heroics ahead of IPL 2025

In the first innings of the intra-squad match, Kishan opened the batting alongside Abhishek, forming a formidable left-handed duo at the top. The pair got off to a flying start, taking apart the bowling attack inside the powerplay.

However, Abhishek was dismissed after scoring a rapid 28 off just 8 balls, falling to a catch at deep cover. Despite the early loss of his partner, Kishan continued his aggressive approach, bringing up his half-century in quick time. His innings came to an end in the 8th over, when he was caught and bowled by Kamindu Mendis. At the time of his dismissal, his team had already raced to 117/3 in just 7.2 overs, showcasing his impact at the top of the order.

In the second innings, chasing a daunting 261-run target, Kishan once again stepped up, proving his consistency and adaptability. Facing SRH’s main bowling attack, he continued his onslaught, taking Abhishek, who was bowling in the second innings, to the cleaners. Kishan remained unbeaten, finishing with 73 runs off 30 balls, cementing his position as one of SRH’s most valuable batters heading into IPL 2025.

Here’s the video:

Warming up in style 🔥

Ishan Kishan | #PlayWithFire pic.twitter.com/sNRWyi5Qnq

— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) March 16, 2025

Also READ: IPL 2025: Pat Cummins and Heinrich Klaasen reveal their choice for Sunrisers Hyderabad’s biggest superstar

Where will Kishan fit into SRH’s lineup?

While Abhishek and Head have established themselves as SRH’s first-choice opening pair, Kishan’s recent performances have put pressure on team management to consider reshuffling the order. Given his reputation as a destructive power-hitter, SRH might deploy Kishan at No. 3, where he can continue his free-flowing stroke play while providing flexibility in case of an early wicket.

With Abhishek and Head set to continue as openers, Kishan’s presence at one-down could strengthen SRH’s middle order, ensuring a seamless transition between the top order and the power-packed middle order, which includes Klaasen, Nitish Reddy and Aiden Markram. Moreover, Kishan’s explosive style of play will allow SRH to maintain an aggressive tempo throughout the innings, keeping opposition bowlers under constant pressure. His ability to tackle both pacers and spinners makes him an ideal option for batting at No. 3, ensuring that SRH remains a batting-heavy side capable of posting daunting totals.