Ishan Kishan described the “fearless” approach of teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as the kind that leaves bowlers and fielders wondering how the innings might have unfolded if the youngster had stayed at the crease for longer. Speaking after Sooryavanshi’s explosive display, Kishan said it was difficult not to think about how the final numbers could have swung even further. The 15-year-old struck a sensational 103 off just 37 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Saturday, with the century coming off 36 deliveries—his second IPL ton in the tournament.
Kishan explained that during their interaction he had tried to convey what makes Sooryavanshi’s batting so bold, while also hinting at the threat the youngster poses when he gets going. He noted that when a batter carries on for a few more overs, the scorecard can look dramatically different, and he stressed that getting the wicket was crucial. “It was 228, it could have easily been 258,” Kishan said, adding that cricket often swings on moments like dismissing a key batter at the right time. He also framed it as a comeback mindset—once the wicket was taken, it allowed his side to claw back momentum. Kishan further joked that the message to the teenager was simple: when you’re playing against my team, go a little easier. “I know all your secrets and inside stories,” he said.
The vice-captain then backed up his thoughts with his own contribution in the chase. Kishan made 74 runs in a strong, controlled knock as Sunrisers Hyderabad successfully chased down a 229-run target in 18.3 overs, securing a commanding five-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals (RR). After the match, he spoke about the responsibilities that come with batting at No. 3, describing it as a role where anchoring the innings can ease pressure for the batters who follow.
According to Kishan, the key is to stay at the crease once set, look to build toward a big score, and keep going until the end phases. He said that when the No. 3 batter holds one end, it creates space for the rest of the lineup to play more freely, without feeling the immediate strain of needing quick runs. Kishan also emphasised mindset and simplicity: keep things as straightforward as possible, maintain a clear head, and treat each game as its own challenge. He added that cricket is fundamentally a team sport, and that good performances tend to lift others in the side. While he acknowledged that he had made mistakes in the match, he said his focus remains on not repeating them—an admission he linked to what happened in the final stretch.
Kishan also opened up about his path back into the Indian team, stressing that resilience and consistent output matter more than dwelling on setbacks. He said that during periods away from selection, he reminded himself not to cry or sulk because that approach may bring temporary sympathy but does not create results. In his view, only runs can change a player’s standing. He set his priority on improving his game and scoring as much as possible—even if that meant hitting more sixes than anyone else. He argued that steady run-getting is what earns a return to the reckoning: if 300 runs in a season are not enough, then the target should become 400, and if needed, 500. Ultimately, he said cricket is a daily necessity for those who play it, and when you are out of the team you begin to value every match more. That hunger, he explained, was what he wanted to turn into fuel—aiming to become the best.
