Ishan Kishan put on a show with the bat in the second match of the IPL 2025 season between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Rajasthan Royals at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Sunday (March 23).

Making his debut for SRH, the southpaw slammed a breathtaking hundred while batting at No. 3. His knock of 106* in 47 balls, laced with 11 fours and 7 sixes, propelled the Sunrisers to a mammoth 286/6 in 20 overs.

After SRH’s 44-run victory, Kishan recalled the hilarious phone call that he made to Abhishek Sharma after being bought by Hyderabad-based franchise in the mega-auction last year.

The wicketkeeper-batter revealed that he called the SRH opener right after securing the Rs 11.25 crore deal and asked him if he had to play a big shot on every single ball going forward.

"I straightaway called up Abhishek. I asked him, 'Do I have to hit every single ball?' He was like, 'On point, that is your job. You hit every ball and enjoy in this team.' I could actually see that when I came here. When I got here, the message was very clear, 'If the ball is there, go for it.' That's how I think we are going to play the tournament," Kishan said while speaking at the post-match press conference.

The swashbuckling left-hander celebrated his century with a flying kiss. Asked about the same, he revealed that it was for the members of his family who were in attendance at the stadium.

"The flying kiss was for the loved ones who were watching the game from the stands, who had supported me in the tough times last year," he added.

Kishan endured a tough time in 2024, when he was dropped from the national team as well as the BCCI central contracts.

"I was never thinking about the bad moments. I was focused on what I needed to do. I got rid of the negatives. I thought the IPL is coming, I need to face some good bowlers, I was just doing my hard work," he stated.

After his scintillating start to the season, Ishan would hope for some consistency going forward. SRH’s next match is scheduled for March 27 against Lucknow Super Giants at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.