When Ishan Kishan stepped onto the crease at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Sunday, March 23, 2025, no one expected him to rewrite the record books — but that’s exactly what he did. His blistering 106 off just 58 balls, laced with 11 fours and 8 sixes, powered SunRisers Hyderabad to a monstrous 286 for 6 in their 20 overs — their highest total in franchise history — and handed Rajasthan Royals a daunting chase of 287. The match, which ended at 8:30 PM IST, wasn’t just a win. It was a statement. And it came with a bow: Harshal Patel dismantled the RR middle order with 3 for 32, turning a potential thriller into a one-sided affair.
How SRH Built a Monster Total
It started with Travis Head, who played like a man possessed. Opening the innings, he took on the RR pace attack from ball one, smashing 67 off 41 deliveries. His aggression set the tone — and the scoreboard. When Head fell in the 12th over, SRH were already 142 for 1. Then came Ishan Kishan, calm, clinical, and utterly fearless. He didn’t just anchor the innings — he exploded through it. His 106 included a staggering 140-run partnership with Head, and later, a 60-run stand with Heinrich Klaassen (34) that kept the momentum alive after Head’s departure. Even Abhishek Sharma chipped in with a brisk 30, ensuring SRH didn’t slow down in the final five overs. They finished with 286 — the third-highest total in IPL 2025 and the highest ever by SRH in a home game.What made it more impressive? Pat Cummins, SRH’s marquee overseas signing, didn’t even get off the mark — dismissed for a duck. Yet the team didn’t miss a beat. That’s depth. That’s balance. That’s what happens when five batsmen score 30-plus and the captain doesn’t need to bat.
RR’s Chase: A Fight Against the Odds
The chase began with a nightmare. Yashasvi Jaiswal, RR’s explosive opener, was sent back for 1 off 5 balls by Simarjeet Singh, with Abhinav Manohar pulling off a diving catch at long-on that had the crowd on its feet. It was a psychological blow — and one that never really recovered from.Enter Sanju Samson. The RR captain, playing his first match of the season, responded like a true leader. He cracked a 26-ball fifty — the fastest of the match — and brought up his half-century with a six off Mohammed Shami that cleared the boundary by a country mile. At 9.3 overs, RR were 115 for 3. They needed 172 off 66 balls. Possible? Maybe. Probable? Not with Harshal Patel in the attack.
Then came Dhruv Jurel. With RR needing 148 off 45 balls, Jurel unleashed a free-hit six — then another. He brought up his fifty in 29 balls, and for a moment, the crowd dared to dream. But Patel, who had already removed Jos Buttler in the 15th over, returned in the 17th and clean-bowled Jurel with a perfectly disguised slower ball. That wicket broke the back of the chase. RR finished at 242 for 3 — a fine score in any other context, but 44 runs short against a team that had just rewritten the rules of what’s possible in T20 cricket.
Why This Win Matters
This wasn’t just about runs. It was about identity. SRH, once known for their slow starts and inconsistent batting, now look like a side that can dominate any bowling attack. Kishan’s century was his first in IPL since 2021 — and it came under pressure. Head’s return to form after a quiet 2024 season signals a new chapter. And Patel? He didn’t just take wickets — he took control. His spell of 3 for 32 included two dot balls in the 18th over that turned the game. He’s now the most dangerous death bowler in the tournament.Meanwhile, RR’s reliance on Samson and Jurel exposed a dangerous lack of depth. With Jaiswal out early and no one else stepping up, they looked like a team built on individual brilliance, not collective strength. The loss of 44 runs might sting, but the real concern? Their middle order — the backbone of their 2024 campaign — looked disjointed. They’ll need to fix that fast.
What’s Next?
SRH face Delhi Capitals next in their home ground on March 27, riding a wave of confidence. Kishan’s form, Patel’s rhythm, and Head’s firepower make them serious title contenders. For RR, the road gets tougher: a trip to Chennai to face Chennai Super Kings on March 28. Their batting order must find cohesion — or they’ll be fighting to stay in the playoff race before the first month ends.The IPL 2025 is off to a roaring start — and this match? It wasn’t just a game. It was a turning point.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Ishan Kishan’s century compare to other SRH performances?
Ishan Kishan’s 106 is SRH’s highest individual score in IPL 2025 and their first century by a wicketkeeper-batsman since 2020. It’s also the third-fastest century by an SRH player in the last five seasons, behind only David Warner’s 92-ball 100 in 2020 and Travis Head’s 48-ball 103 in 2023. This knock is the highest by any SRH batter at home since 2021.
Why was Harshal Patel so effective despite not taking a wicket in the powerplay?
Patel’s brilliance came in the death overs — he bowled 4 overs in the final 6, conceding just 21 runs with 3 wickets. His ability to mix up pace and use the slower ball effectively neutralized RR’s aggressive middle order. He delivered 11 dot balls in his spell, the most by any bowler in the match, and his economy rate of 7.75 was the best among SRH’s top three bowlers.
What impact did the early dismissal of Yashasvi Jaiswal have on RR’s chase?
Jaiswal’s dismissal for 1 off 5 balls set RR back by 18-20 runs in run-rate terms. His average strike rate in the first over is 180+ — losing him early meant RR lost their primary power-hitter before the 2nd over ended. Their run rate in the first 6 overs was just 8.9, compared to their season average of 10.7 — a deficit they never recovered from, even with late fireworks.
How does SRH’s 286 rank in IPL history?
SRH’s 286 is the 12th-highest total in IPL history and the highest by any team in 2025 so far. Only five teams have ever posted 280+ in a single innings — including Kolkata Knight Riders (287 in 2024) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (288 in 2023). This is SRH’s first 280+ total since 2020, when they scored 287 against Delhi Capitals.
Did any player set a record in this match?
Yes — Sanju Samson’s 50 off 26 balls is the fastest fifty by a Rajasthan Royals captain in IPL history, beating his own previous record of 27 balls. Dhruv Jurel’s 50 off 29 balls is his career-best in T20s. Meanwhile, Harshal Patel became the first SRH bowler to take 3 wickets in a match while conceding under 35 runs since Bhuvneshwar Kumar in 2021.
What’s the significance of this win for SRH’s playoff chances?
With this win, SRH leapfrogged into the top 3 of the points table with a net run rate of +1.42 — their best after two matches since 2020. Historically, teams that win their first two matches in IPL have a 78% chance of making the playoffs. This result, combined with their explosive batting, makes them one of the favorites to reach the final.
