In a perplexing turn of events during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, Ishan Kishan’s inexplicable decision to walk off the field without being dismissed has left fans and experts baffled. This incident occurred during Sunrisers Hyderabad’s (SRH) recent match against Mumbai Indians (MI), culminating in yet another loss for the Hyderabad-based franchise.
The Incident: A Self-Dismissal Without Appeal
The match took a strange turn early on when Ishan Kishan, after attempting a leg glance against MI’s Deepak Chahar, began walking back to the pavilion. Notably, neither the bowler nor the wicketkeeper appealed for a dismissal, and the umpire was on the verge of signaling a wide delivery. However, upon seeing Kishan walk off, the umpire changed his signal to indicate an out. Subsequent Ultra Edge technology reviews revealed no contact between bat and ball, leaving spectators and commentators in disbelief. Former India opener Virender Sehwag described Kishan’s action as a “brain-fade moment,” questioning the rationale behind his decision to leave the field without confirmation of dismissal.
Impact on the Match
Kishan’s premature departure contributed to SRH posting a modest total of 143-8, a score that MI chased down comfortably with 4.2 overs and seven wickets to spare. This defeat marked SRH’s sixth loss in eight matches, placing them ninth in the 10-team league and jeopardizing their playoff aspirations.
Kishan’s Journey: From MI to SRH
Ishan Kishan’s move to SRH in the IPL 2025 mega auction was a significant shift in his career. After being released by MI, where he had been a key player since 2018, Kishan was acquired by SRH for INR 11.25 crore. In an emotional farewell, MI skipper Hardik Pandya expressed his sentiments, stating, “He always used to keep the dressing room live… We are going to miss him.”
Kishan’s debut for SRH was nothing short of spectacular. He scored an unbeaten 106 off 47 balls against Rajasthan Royals, contributing to SRH’s massive total of 286/6—the second-highest in IPL history. This performance earned him the Man of the Match award and was seen as a statement to selectors and his former franchise.
The Road Ahead for SRH and Kishan
SRH, under the leadership of Australian captain Pat Cummins, faces an uphill battle to secure a playoff spot. With only two wins in eight matches, the team must regroup and strategize effectively for the remaining fixtures. Kishan’s form will be crucial in this endeavor, and the team will hope that the recent incident was an anomaly rather than a sign of declining confidence.
Conclusion
Ishan Kishan’s unusual walk-off has added another layer of complexity to SRH’s challenging season. While his initial performances for the franchise showcased his potential, consistency will be key moving forward. As the IPL 2025 progresses, both Kishan and SRH will aim to overcome setbacks and make a strong push for the playoffs.
