In a surprising turn of events during the IPL 2025, Sunrisers Hyderabad's Ishan Kishan made headlines for all the wrong reasons, becoming only the second player in IPL history to be dismissed for a golden duck immediately after scoring a century. The match against Lucknow Super Giants at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium saw Kishan's unfortunate dismissal on the very first ball, a stark contrast to his stellar performance in the previous game.
Kishan had dazzled fans just days earlier, scoring a phenomenal 106 runs off 47 balls against Rajasthan Royals, leading his team to a massive total of 286 runs, the second-highest in IPL history. However, in this match, Lucknow won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision that would pay off handsomely.
The Sunrisers Hyderabad's innings began on a sour note as they lost their opener, Abhishek Sharma, for just 6 runs, leaving the team reeling at 15 runs. Shardul Thakur, the Lucknow bowler, struck twice in quick succession, dismissing Sharma and then Kishan on consecutive deliveries, sending shockwaves through the stadium. Kishan's dismissal was particularly painful for the fans, as he returned to the pavilion without scoring, leaving his team in a precarious position.
"It's a tough day for Ishan, but that's cricket for you," said a disappointed fan in the stands. The atmosphere shifted dramatically as Kishan's wicket fell, with many fans expressing their frustration and disbelief. The pressure mounted on the Sunrisers as they struggled to recover from the early setbacks.
Shardul Thakur's impressive bowling spell saw him take two wickets in his first two deliveries of the third over, effectively putting Hyderabad on the back foot. The experienced bowler, who had gone unsold in the IPL auction, seized the opportunity to prove his worth, having been brought into the team due to an injury to teammate Mohsin Khan.
As the innings progressed, Sunrisers Hyderabad found themselves in further trouble, losing Travis Head for 47 runs and finishing the innings at a disappointing 190 for 9 in 20 overs. Despite a valiant effort from Henrich Klassen and Nitish Kumar Reddy, who tried to stabilize the innings, the damage had already been done.
Lucknow Super Giants, needing 191 runs for victory, chased down the target with ease, scoring 191 runs in just 16.1 overs, sealing a five-wicket victory. This win marked Lucknow's first points in the 18th season after a narrow defeat to Delhi Capitals in their previous match.
The match served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of cricket, where fortunes can change in the blink of an eye. Ishan Kishan's golden duck has now placed him in an unwanted list alongside Suresh Raina, who famously scored a century in one match and followed it up with a golden duck in the next during IPL 2013.
As the IPL season progresses, the Sunrisers Hyderabad will need to regroup and refocus if they hope to bounce back from this disappointment. With Kishan's remarkable talent and the team's potential, fans are eager to see how they will respond in their upcoming matches.
In a post-match interview, Lucknow's captain expressed pride in his team's performance, highlighting the importance of early breakthroughs in the game. "Getting those early wickets was crucial for us. It set the tone for the rest of the match," he said.
As for Ishan Kishan, he will undoubtedly look to put this match behind him and channel his focus into the next game. The cricketing world knows that every player faces ups and downs, and Kishan's determination to succeed will be key as he aims to bounce back from this challenging moment.
With the IPL 2025 season still in its early stages, there are plenty of matches ahead for both teams. Fans will be watching closely to see how the Sunrisers Hyderabad adapt and overcome this setback, while Lucknow Super Giants will seek to build on their newfound momentum.
As the excitement of the IPL continues, one thing is for certain: the unpredictability of cricket keeps fans on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the next twist in the tale.
