Ishan Kishan Brushed Aside In SRH Dressing Room, Other Players Roll On The Floor

Sunrisers Hyderabad ended their IPL 2026 league campaign on a high, demolishing Royal Challengers Bangalore by 55 runs at the Uppal Stadium on May 22. But the post-match celebrations delivered an unexpected twist — and a moment of viral laughter — when Ishan Kishan was brushed aside in the SRH dressing room, other players roll[ed] on the floor after a comical misunderstanding over the Player of the Match award.

A Match Dominated by Batting Firepower

SRH posted a colossal 255 for 5 in their 20 overs, riding on blistering half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma, Heinrich Klaasen, and Ishan Kishan, who smashed 79 off just 46 balls. Travis Head and Nitish Reddy provided crucial finishing touches, ensuring Hyderabad crossed the 250-run mark — a rare feat in T20 cricket.

RCB’s chase never gained momentum. Despite needing a strong performance to secure a top-two finish, they managed only 200 for 4 in their allotted overs. Eshan Malinga played a pivotal role with the ball, picking up 2 wickets for just 33 runs, including the key dismissals of Venkatesh Iyer and Devdutt Padikkal.

The Dressing Room Mix-Up That Broke the Internet

With the game firmly in SRH’s control, the post-match dressing room buzzed with excitement. As the support staff prepared to announce the Player of the Match, a moment of unintended comedy unfolded.

When a coach called out ‘Ishan,’ Kishan swiftly stood up, clearly expecting to be named the standout performer. However, the name being called was not Ishan Kishan, but Eshan Malinga. The near-identical pronunciation led to one of the most awkward yet heartwarming moments of the season.

Kishan froze mid-rise, flashed an embarrassed smile, and quickly sat back down, covering his face in amusement. The entire dressing room erupted in laughter, with players seen rolling on the floor clutching their stomachs.

Why Eshan Malinga Deserved the Award

While Ishan Kishan’s 79 was undeniably impactful, Eshan Malinga’s economical spell under pressure tipped the balance. His two wickets stifled RCB’s early momentum and exposed their middle order. His figures of 2/33 from four overs were instrumental in preventing RCB from accelerating beyond 200, effectively sealing the win.

The award, therefore, was a well-judged decision — even if it came with an unintentional side of comedy.

Kishan’s Value Extends Beyond One Award

Despite the dressing room blunder, Ishan Kishan’s overall contribution to SRH in IPL 2026 cannot be overstated. Across 14 matches, he scored 569 runs at an average of 40.64, including six half-centuries. His leadership during Pat Cummins’ absence further solidified his importance within the squad.

These moments — the quiet influence, the stabilizing knocks, the on-field captaincy — don’t always come with applause or trophies. But they shape team culture and long-term success.

Final Standings and Playoff Implications

RCB’s consolation run chase — anchored by an 84-run partnership between Rajat Patidar and Krunal Pandya — was enough to push them into the top two, securing their spot in Qualifier 1 alongside Gujarat Titans. SRH, despite the big win, finished third and will now navigate the Eliminator route.

Yet, moments like the dressing room laughter remind us that cricket isn’t just about playoffs and rankings. It’s about camaraderie, humility, and the joy of the game — even when your name isn’t the one being called.

So while Ishan Kishan was brushed aside in the SRH dressing room, other players roll[ed] on the floor, the real victory was in the unity and spirit that defines Sunrisers Hyderabad this season.