A high-intensity intra-squad match turned into a talking point on Saturday, March 21, as Sunrisers Hyderabad’s interim captain Ishan Kishan found himself at the centre of an animated on-field exchange with teammate Zeeshan Ansari. The incident, which quickly made its way onto social media, added a dose of drama to SRH’s preparations for IPL 2026.
The moment unfolded during a practice game but carried the energy of a competitive fixture, highlighting the team’s hunger ahead of the new season.
Zeeshan Ansari strikes back after costly over
The flashpoint came in the eighth over of the SRH B innings. Kishan, alongside Liam Livingstone, was in destructive form and took particular liking to Ansari’s bowling. The wicketkeeper-batter unleashed a flurry of attacking strokes, collecting 20 runs in the over and putting the spinner under pressure.
However, cricket often rewards persistence. Ansari responded in style by dismissing Kishan soon after, shifting the momentum back in his favour. What followed next caught everyone’s attention.
In an unusual sight for an intra-squad game, Ansari celebrated passionately and gestured towards the pavilion, urging Kishan to walk off. The spinner’s animated reaction suggested he had taken the earlier assault personally, turning the wicket into a statement moment.
Light-hearted response from Ishan Kishan steals the spotlight
Despite the fiery send-off and a brief verbal exchange between the two, Kishan chose not to escalate the situation. Instead, he appeared amused by the incident, smiling and laughing as he made his way back to the dugout.
His reaction helped defuse any potential tension, underlining the camaraderie within the squad. While social media was quick to speculate about possible friction in the camp, the interaction seemed to be nothing more than competitive spirit spilling over in the heat of the moment.
Here’s the video:
Send off to Ishan Kishan 🤯
During the intra squad match today, Zeeshan Ansari, a bowler for Sunrisers Hyderabad, was seen giving a send off to his own captain Ishan Kishan after dismissing him.
The team atmosphere doesn’t seem to be very good.
— Stubbsy (@spideypant_) March 21, 2026
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Batters shine in practice game
Beyond the brief drama, the intra-squad match offered several positives for Sunrisers Hyderabad. Both Kishan and Abhishek Sharma delivered standout performances with the bat, providing a timely boost ahead of the tournament. Abhishek, who had faced criticism for inconsistent form during the recent T20 World Cup, played with renewed confidence. The left-hander hammered a brisk 94, showcasing his ability to dominate bowlers at the top of the order.
Kishan, meanwhile, looked in sublime touch. His explosive 72 off just 24 balls reflected his aggressive intent and readiness to lead from the front. His knock included a mix of powerful hitting and innovative stroke play, signaling good signs for SRH’s batting lineup.
Also READ: IPL: Complete list of all SRH captains so far ft. Ishan Kishan