Ishan Kishan Blazing 77 Powers Jharkhand to Record-Setting Victory in SMAT 2024*
NEW DELHI: Ishan Kishan delivered a breathtaking performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) on Friday, smashing an unbeaten 77 off just 23 balls to lead Jharkhand to an emphatic victory against Arunachal Pradesh. The explosive left-hander’s knock, studded with 5 fours and 9 towering sixes, helped Jharkhand chase down a modest target of 94 in just 4.3 overs.
Auction Buzz: From Mumbai to Hyderabad
The stunning innings comes just days after Kishan was snapped up by Sunrisers Hyderabad for ₹11.25 crore in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction held in Jeddah. This marked a 26% dip from the ₹15.25 crore Mumbai Indians shelled out for him in 2022. Kishan, however, remains one of the marquee players in the IPL, known for his ability to dismantle bowling attacks.
A Prolific Journey in the IPL
Having debuted in 2016, Kishan has been a consistent performer in the IPL. He has accumulated 2,644 runs in 105 matches at an average of 28.43 and a strike rate of 135.87, including 16 half-centuries. His standout season came in 2020, where he amassed 516 runs at a stellar average of 57.33, cementing his reputation as a dynamic top-order batter.
During his stint with Mumbai Indians (2018-2023), Kishan scored 2,325 runs in 89 matches at an average of 29.80, with a strike rate of 136.84. He was a key cog in MI’s title-winning campaigns and narrowly missed out on a century with a best score of 99.
Fighting Back Through Domestic Cricket
The past year has been challenging for Kishan, who lost his central contract and spot in the Indian team. Determined to regain his place, he returned to domestic cricket, delivering strong performances for Jharkhand and earning a call-up to India A for the recent matches against Australia A.
What’s Next for Kishan?
With this scintillating knock in SMAT 2024, Kishan has reminded everyone of his explosive capabilities. As he gears up for IPL 2025 with Sunrisers Hyderabad, fans and selectors alike will be watching closely to see if he can translate his domestic dominance into further international success.
