The ongoing season of IPL 2025 has turned out to be a disappointing one for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), a team that reached the final just last year. With seven matches played so far and only two victories on the board, SRH currently finds itself languishing in the bottom half of the points table.

Among the many concerns for the franchise, the form of one high-profile player is attracting the most criticism — Ishan Kishan. The wicketkeeper-batter was roped in by SRH for a whopping ₹11.25 crore during the IPL 2025 mega auction. But with one lone standout performance and a series of underwhelming outings since, speculation is growing that SRH may release him ahead of the next season.

A Bright Start Followed by a String of Failures

Ishan Kishan began his IPL 2025 campaign with a bang. He smashed a sensational century — 106 runs off just 47 balls — in SRH’s opening match against Rajasthan Royals. The innings, filled with 11 boundaries and 6 sixes, looked like a sign of great things to come. However, it has turned out to be the only highlight of his season so far.

Since then, Ishan has managed to score just 32 runs in six matches combined. His form has plummeted drastically:

• 0 vs. Lucknow Super Giants
• 2 vs. Delhi Capitals
• 2 vs. Kolkata Knight Riders
• 17 vs. Gujarat Titans
• 9 vs. Punjab Kings*
• 2 vs. Mumbai Indians

The inconsistency is becoming a serious concern for SRH’s management, and insiders suggest that owner Kavya Maran is disappointed with the investment made in Kishan.

Could He Face the Same Fate as Prithvi Shaw?

Kishan’s lack of rhythm has not only affected his IPL season but also cast a shadow over his international future. He has been out of the Indian squad for quite some time, with BCCI reportedly raising concerns over his discipline and fitness in the past. His previous franchise, Mumbai Indians, had already moved on from him, and now SRH appears to be on a similar path.

If Ishan is released ahead of the next auction, he may face a situation similar to Prithvi Shaw, who remained unsold after being dropped due to inconsistent performances.

Will SRH Move On Without Him?

With SRH struggling to gain momentum this season, releasing non-performing high-cost players could be one of the decisions the franchise makes during the next reshuffle. Ishan Kishan, despite his big reputation and price tag, is currently failing to deliver value on the field.

Only time will tell if the team management gives him another chance or moves on in search of more reliable options for the 2026 season.