“It’s hard to stop him. We’ll have to work a little hard,” said Ishan Kishan, reflecting on the challenge of facing Virat Kohli during his captaincy debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad. Kishan, who scored a blistering 80 runs off just 38 balls, led his team with confidence, despite the nerves that come with such a significant role.
On March 28, 2026, at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Kishan’s innings included 8 fours and 5 sixes, helping Sunrisers Hyderabad post a formidable total of 201 runs for 9 wickets in their 20 overs. His performance marked the highest score by a Hyderabad captain on debut, showcasing his potential as a leader.
Despite Kishan’s explosive innings, the match saw Royal Challengers Bengaluru chase down the target in just 15.4 overs, with Virat Kohli contributing a solid 69 runs off 38 balls. Kishan acknowledged the importance of dismissing Kohli early, a strategy that ultimately proved challenging for his team.
“I actually enjoyed it a lot, you know, enjoyed every moment of it,” Kishan expressed after the match, highlighting his enthusiasm for leading the team. His half-century came in just 27 balls, making him one of the fastest Indian players to reach 3000 IPL runs, achieving this milestone in 2180 balls.
Jacob Duffy was a standout performer for RCB, taking three wickets in the powerplay, which put pressure on SRH’s batting lineup. Kishan’s leadership was tested, but he remained focused on the positives, stating, “You know, especially you have to give some credit to the batters as well, the way they batted, especially Virat Bhai while chasing.”
Looking ahead, Kishan noted, “We’ll be a little more cautious with the bowling, areas where we need to execute, and we might be stronger from the next game.” This forward-thinking approach reflects his commitment to improving as a captain and player.
Ishan Kishan’s debut as captain may have ended in a loss, but his performance and leadership skills have set a promising tone for the rest of the season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as he continues to develop in this new role.
