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In a league known for electrifying performances and edge of the seat drama, sometimes the most talked-about moment is not a stunning six or a hat-trick ball—but a baffling act of self-dismissal. This was precisely the case in the IPL 2025 clash between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), where Ishan Kishan‘s inexplicable decision to walk off the pitch left fans, umpires, and cricket legends stunned. Among the most vocal critics was former India opener Virender Sehwag, who didn’t hold back in his assessment.
Virender Sehwag reacts on Ishan Kishan’s brain fade moment during SRH vs MI game
The incident occurred early in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s innings, on the very first ball of the third over. Kishan, attempting a leg glance against Deepak Chahar, missed the ball cleanly. There was no sound, no edge, no appeal—and certainly no signal from the umpire. Yet, in a moment that looked straight out of a local amateur match, the wicketkeeper-batter turned and began his long walk back to the pavilion.
What followed was collective confusion. The umpire was stunned, the bowler looked bemused, and the commentators scrambled to understand what had just transpired. Replays left no doubt: there was absolutely no contact with bat or pad. Kishan’s decision to walk seemed entirely self-imposed.
Sehwag, never known to sugarcoat his opinions, lit into Kishan during a Cricbuzz post-match analysis. He quipped, “It was a brain fade. Simple. There was no appeal, and the umpire didn’t even raise a finger. Why was he walking? Was he trying to play Test cricket in the IPL?”
Taking it a notch further, Sehwag added a touch of his signature sarcasm and said, “At least give the umpire a chance to earn his paycheck! He’s standing there for a reason.”
Kishan’s deep slump in form at IPL 2025
Kishan’s puzzling walk-off was not just a one-off moment—it marked a low point in what has become a troubling downward spiral. After starting the IPL 2025 season with a sensational century, the explosive left-hander has since struggled to find rhythm. His dismissal for just 1 run added salt to the wound for a Sunrisers Hyderabad side already reeling from five previous losses.
This latest defeat was their sixth in eight games, pushing them further down the points table. As the team prepares to face the Chennai Super Kings in their next outing, pressure is mounting—not just on the team as a whole, but on Kishan individually. His recent performances have sparked concerns about mental clarity and confidence, both essential for any top-order batter.
