Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) set the stage ablaze in their IPL 2025 opener against Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, nearly shattering the record for the highest-ever team total in IPL history. Batting first, SRH amassed a staggering 286/6, just two runs short of the all-time record. The explosive batting display left the crowd buzzing, with Ishan Kishan’s sensational maiden IPL century grabbing the spotlight.
Kishan, who recently joined SRH after seven years with Mumbai Indians, showed why the franchise invested heavily in him during the mega auction. The left-hander smashed his way to a century, hammering 10 fours and six towering sixes. His aggressive knock not only anchored SRH’s innings but also silenced critics questioning his form.
Ishan Kishan’s fearless approach kept the scoreboard ticking and set the perfect platform for his teammates to go big. However, it was a nightmare outing for Jofra Archer, who made unwanted headlines by conceding 76 runs in his four-over spell—the most expensive figures in IPL history.
WATCH – Ishan Kishan’s Explosive Century On SRH Debut Leaves Netizens in Awe
To add to his woes, Jofran Archer bowled a beamer that left Kishan ducking for cover and briefly on the ground. The wild delivery slipped past wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel, racing away to the boundary, intensifying an already difficult over. Archer’s struggles invited sharp criticism from fans on social media, with many questioning his form since his injury struggles.
— kuchnahi123@12345678 (@kuchnahi1269083) March 23, 2025
Travis Head also played a pivotal role, tearing into Archer in the 18th over, smashing 23 runs off it. RR’s bowlers had no answer to the relentless assault from SRH’s batting lineup, as they looked helpless against the aggressive approach of the Men in Orange.
WATCH – Tushar Deshpande’s Fiery Send-off To Travis Head: A Game-Changing Moment
As the second-highest total in IPL history, SRH’s innings set a daunting challenge for Rajasthan Royals. While fans celebrated Kishan’s heroics, they were equally vocal in criticizing Archer’s forgettable performance. The internet was flooded with memes and reactions, highlighting the contrasting emotions of the evening.
Jofra Archer, the superstar pacer… reduced to a mere spectator when Travis Head was batting.
Ball returned to him only after Head walked back. 🤣🤣
That’s not just form, that’s Head’s Aura! 🔥🔥 #RRvsSRH pic.twitter.com/Oxo6xBZycR
— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) March 23, 2025
Jofra Archer hasn’t been the same since he scammed the Ambanis!
— Shivani Shukla (@iShivani_Shukla) March 23, 2025
tbh jofra archer is a just bowling machine that has a run up
— ex. capt (@thephukdi) March 23, 2025
Jofra Archer right now pic.twitter.com/4mKzs9Z3f4
— 🎰 (@StanMSD) March 23, 2025
Jofra Archer was better when he was injured and everyone was thinking he’d have been a goat of something.
— psyf (@PsyfeR888) March 23, 2025
