Last Updated on 2 months by Charbel Coorey
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have been tipped to break the 300-run barrier in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL). They came close to doing so in the first attempt of the season, smashing 286/6 against the Rajasthan Royals at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
SRH took advantage of questionable decision making by RR to incredible effect. Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head hit 45 together in the first three overs. Head himself smacked a 31-ball 67. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Heinrich Klaasen kept the momentum going throughout the innings with strike rates of 200+ each respectively.
But, the standout performer was Ishan Kishan. In his first match for the franchise, Kishan belted 11 fours and six sixes in 47 balls, notching up his maiden IPL century in front of a sea of orange. He scored runs all over the ground and gave the RR unit no respite.
RR raised eyebrows by choosing to bowl in a day game given they have just five specialist bowling options plus SRH’s batting firepower. For that decision to feel justified, you need all five bowlers to hold their own. Instead, Jofra Archer conceded the most runs ever in an IPL spell – 76 – in a very unhappy return to the franchise.
Twitter reactions to SRH hitting 286 in IPL 2025 season opener against RR
286 by SRH was just one short of the record IPL total, which they set last season against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Fans praised the SRH lineup and questioned the RR thinktank in equal measure. Here are some of the reactions.
SRH kick off IPL 2025 with a bang
Jofra Archer concedes most runs in an IPL spell as RR struggle
While it was a very flat pitch in Hyderabad, RR’s retentions and make up of the bowling attack has been questioned by fans and pundits.
The highest successful run chase in IPL history is 262 by Punjab Kings against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens in IPL 2024. If RR reach 287 against SRH, it will never be forgotten by all who were fortunate enough to tune in.
 began the IPL 2025 season in stunning fashion, smashing 286 against RR. Here are some of the reactions.){kind=link}