Ishan Kishan reveals Abhishek Sharma’s warning about SRH’s aggressive approach

Ishan Kishan shared a funny story about his phone call with Abhishek Sharma after being picked by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL 2025 mega auction after his match-winning century against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in their season opener on Sunday, March 23, in Hyderabad.

On Sunday, Ishan Kishan made an instant impact for Sunrisers Hyderabad, scoring an unbeaten 106 off just 47 balls to guide his new franchise to a thrilling 44-run win over Rajasthan Royals. He stayed at the crease till the end and celebrated his century with a flying kiss gesture and animated roar.

Ishan Kishan opens up about his hilarious chat with Abhishek Sharma

Speaking after SRH’s dominant win over RR in their IPL 2025 opener, Kishan opened up about his conversation with Abhishek Sharma. The destructive opener was bought for INR 11.25 crore by SRH at the mega auction, and he wasted no time in calling Abhishek and jokingly asking if he had to go for a big shot on every single ball, given their fearless approach in the IPL 2024.

Read Also: Ishan Kishan’s century celebration confirmed a tight slap to Mumbai Indians, Rohit Sharma, Ajit Agarkar

Kishan revealed that the SRH opener playfully warned him to be ready for an ultra-aggressive approach in the ongoing season. The left-handed batter also revealed how the Hyderabad franchise, especially captain Pat Cummins, gave him a clear role in the team.

Ishan Kishan said after the match, “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 being on 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.”

Ishan Kishan reflects on his tough phase in 2024

Ishan also reflected on his tough phase in 2024 when he was dropped from the Indian cricket team and subsequently lost his central contract as well. However, the wicketkeeper stressed that he never thought about the negative things, instead focusing on doing hard work.

The left-handed batter further explained, “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 was coming; I needed to face some good bowlers; I was just doing my hard work.”

Read also: Vignesh Puthur Left Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav Cluless in Nets, Reveals Mi Coach

Ishan Kishan says his flying kiss was for the loved ones in Hyderabad

Ishan also opened up about his viral kiss to the stands after reaching the century against the Royals in Hyderabad. He signed off by saying, “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.”

Notably, Sunrisers Hyderabad’s next game in the ongoing IPL 2025 is against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on March 27 at their home ground—Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. They will play their first overseas game of this season against Delhi Capitals on April 30 at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Vishakhapatnam.