A young cricketer, once part of India’s future, suddenly dropped from the BCCI central contracts list, criticised for missing domestic matches, and publicly doubted by critics. That was Ishan Kishan’s reality in 2024. But fast forward to 2025, and he’s turned his career around with a blistering century on his debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL. This is the story of how a cricketer went from being written off to reclaiming his place among the IPL's brightest stars.
The Fall from Grace
In 2024, Ishan's career was at a crossroads. Despite his potential, he had a season to forget—his form was inconsistent. In IPL 2024, he could manage only one fifty in 14 matches. But more importantly, he was left out of the BCCI central contracts list. It was a stark reminder of how quickly things can change in cricket, and Ishan was left to grapple with the consequences of missing out on crucial domestic matches. As the criticism piled on, many questioned his commitment and future in Indian cricket.
A New Beginning with Sunrisers Hyderabad
Then, like a plot twist in a blockbuster, SRH took a chance on him, investing INR 11.25 crore to secure his services for the 2025 IPL season, making him their biggest buy at the IPL auction. And this was a fresh start for Ishan, a chance to prove his worth on a new platform, away from the Mumbai Indians. And did he deliver? Absolutely.
In his debut match for SRH, Ishan blasted his maiden IPL ton, an unbeaten 106 runs off just 47 balls against the Rajasthan Royals. The match was a statement of intent, one that sent a clear message to everyone who had doubted him: Ishan Kishan was not finished, not by a long shot.
The Hard Work Behind the Success
But there’s more to this story than just a hundred on debut. What people didn’t see was the work he put in behind the scenes. Operating out of his academy in Patna, he committed to two intense training sessions daily. Mornings were dedicated to refining cricketing skills, while evenings focused on gym workouts and video analysis to address technical shortcomings. This rigorous regimen was a testament to his commitment to reclaiming his spot at the top.
It wasn’t just about hitting big shots; it was about regaining confidence, tuning out the noise, and doing the work.
The Big IPL Debut: A Century to Remember
Ishan's century was an affirmation that hard work pays off. It wasn’t just a flash-in-the-pan knock—it was a statement innings. Coming in to play your first innings for a new franchise, Ishan kept his cool, hitting 11 boundaries and 6 sixes. His confidence at the crease, combined with his aggressive shot selection, was the perfect example of how he had turned things around.
With every shot he played, the doubters were silenced. What was more impressive was how he seamlessly fit into SRH's game plan, bringing the famed aggressive spark to their already explosive batting order. SRH wasn’t just a new team for him—it was the fresh start he needed.
Looking Ahead: A Future Built on Resilience
Ishan's transformation is a testament to the power of self-belief and dedication. While he may have been on the brink of being written off in 2024, his hard work, sacrifice, and unwavering focus on improving his game have paid off in spades. The IPL 2025 is his stage, and he’s making the most of it.
Now, Ishan has reclaimed his spot as one of the IPL’s brightest young stars, with a century to mark the beginning of his redemption. For SRH, he is more than just a player; he’s a game-changer, someone who can help them challenge for the title in 2025.
But the most exciting part? This is the second coming for Ishan Kishan. From the depths of exclusion to the euphoria of a record-breaking debut, his journey is far from over.
