Ishan Kishan stormed into the spotlight with a blistering century for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) against Rajasthan Royals (RR), marking the first hundred of IPL 2025. The left-handed batter, bought for Rs 11.25 crore at the auction, smashed an unbeaten 106 off just 47 deliveries at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, guiding SRH to a convincing 44-run victory.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan believes Kishan’s celebration after reaching his century was more than just about personal achievement. Speaking on a media platform, Vaughan remarked that the celebration seemed like a statement—possibly directed towards his former franchise Mumbai Indians, the Indian selectors, or even senior players like Rohit Sharma.

“Kishan’s celebration for three figures today, that was maybe aimed at Mumbai, maybe to the chairman of selectors, maybe to Rohit Sharma, maybe to the whole of India, just to say, ‘Look I’m a decent player’,” Vaughan commented. He praised Kishan’s batting technique, especially his wrist work and ability to dominate the onside.

The innings came at a crucial time for Kishan, who had been under scrutiny for his inconsistent performances and had recently switched teams. Entering at No. 3 after a rapid 45-run opening stand in just 3.1 overs, Kishan seized control and accelerated SRH’s innings to near-record levels. The franchise now holds four of the top five totals in IPL history.

Post-match, Kishan credited SRH skipper Pat Cummins for fostering a fearless playing environment. “He has given me and the entire team a lot of freedom,” Kishan said, appreciating the team’s aggressive approach that allowed him to express himself fully on the field.

With this impactful performance, Kishan has not only boosted SRH’s campaign but has also reignited discussions around his place in the national setup ahead of upcoming international fixtures.

Former India cricketer and IPL 2025 commentator Harbhajan Singh has come under fire for his controversial remark on Rajastha Royals pacer Jofra Archer during the SRH vs RR clash on Sunday. While on-air, Harbhajan likened English pacer Jofra Archer’s expensive bowling spell to the fast-running meter of a “kaali taxi” (black taxi) in London.

The comment, which quickly spread across social media, drew criticism from fans and viewers for Harbhajan’s on-air racially intensive remarks. Fans also demanded apology from the former team India leg spinner. The remark was made in Hindi: “London me kaali taxi ka meter tez bhaagta hai, aur yaha pe Archer sahab ka meter bhi tez bhaaga hai”, loosely comparing Archer’s high economy rate to that of a fast-charging taxi meter.

Despite being a victim of racial discrimination during his playing career, Harbhajan has yet to respond to the backlash or issue an apology for the comment.

The controversy overshadowed what was otherwise a high-scoring encounter. Sunrisers Hyderabad put up a giant total of 286-run on board, marking the second-highest score of IPL history. Stellar performances from Ishan Kishan and Travis Head powered the team to the record total of 286 which is 1 run short to the team’s highest total. Rajasthan Royals, while attempting to chase the mammoth target, managed 242 runs and fell short despite their efforts.

In a high SRH vs RR clash on Sunday, English pacer Jofra Archer had a forgettable outing, conceding 76 runs in his four overs without taking any wickets. Apart from Jofra, Sandeep Sharma and Maheesh Theekshana have also conceded more than 50 runs in his 4-over spell.  

Sahibzada Farhan made history on March 21 by scoring the highest individual score by a Pakistani batter in T20 cricket, smashing 162 runs off 72 balls for Peshawar Region in a National T20 Cup match against Quetta Region at the Multan Cricket Stadium.

The 29-year-old opener broke the eight-year-old record previously held by Kamran Akmal, who had scored 150 off 71 balls in 2017 for Lahore Whites.

Farhan’s explosive innings featured 14 fours and 11 sixes, and now stands as the joint third-highest individual score in T20 history, tied with Hamilton Masakadza of Zimbabwe and Hazratullah Zazai of Afghanistan. The all-time record remains with Chris Gayle, who scored 175 for Royal Challengers Bengaluru*.

Dominant win for Peshawar

Farhan’s record-breaking knock propelled Peshawar to a mammoth 239/1 after being put in to bat. After an early setback with Waqar Ahmed’s dismissal, Farhan and Maaz Sadaqat stabilized the innings. Sadaqat retired hurt after scoring 54 off 38 balls, but Farhan continued his onslaught to guide Peshawar to a massive total.

In reply, Quetta Region crumbled for just 113 in 19.3 overs. Off-spinner Usman Tariq played a key role in the collapse, returning with 4 wickets for 17 runs in 4 overs. However, it was Farhan’s knock that sealed the 126-run victory and earned him the Player of the Match award.

Farhan’s performance is now being hailed as one of the finest ever by a Pakistani batter in the shortest format, adding a major milestone to his cricketing journey.