Watch: Ishan Kishan's priceless reaction after SRH coach names Eshan Malinga for IPL 2026 Eliminator
Ishan Kishan was left embarrassed during an SRH dressing room meeting after coach James Franklin mistakenly appeared to call his name. The coach was actually praising Sri Lankan pacer Eshan Malinga, leading to a hilarious mix-up and a priceless reaction from Kishan.
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Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) turned the Uppal Stadium into a six-hitting spectacle on Friday (May 22) as they defeated RCB to strengthen their chances in the IPL 2026 playoff race. Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan starred with a brilliant knock of 79 runs off 46 balls, blending elegance with raw power in a match-winning innings. The left-hander has already grabbed significant media attention ahead of the Eliminator clash.
Following the crucial victory at home, the SRH management organised a special award ceremony inside the dressing room to motivate the players. However, it was during this celebration that Ishan Kishan unexpectedly found himself at the centre of a viral moment.
The Indian wicketkeeper-batter was left red-faced after a funny incident involving SRH coach James Franklin went viral on social media. During the team talk, Franklin was praising a player for his consistent performances and called out “Ishan,” prompting Kishan to get up from his seat. However, the coach was actually referring to teammate Eshan Malinga. Realising the mix-up, Kishan quickly sat back down, and his priceless reaction instantly became a hit among fans online.
Watch the viral moment below:
Ishan Kishan scored 79 off 46 — So why is Malinga the name everyone's talking about?
Despite Ishan Kishan’s brilliant 79 off 46 balls, it was Eshan Malinga who eventually became the biggest talking point from Sunrisers Hyderabad’s thrilling clash against RCB. Powered by explosive knocks from Kishan, Abhishek Sharma, and Heinrich Klaasen, SRH piled up a massive total of 255/4 in their final league match. Kishan’s innings, filled with elegant strokeplay and clean hitting, played a crucial role in helping Hyderabad dominate on a batting-friendly Uppal surface.
However, even after posting such a mammoth score, SRH knew the job was far from over against an RCB batting unit that had looked dangerous throughout the IPL 2026 season. The Bengaluru side aggressively started their chase, with Venkatesh Iyer launching a fierce counterattack and smashing 44 runs off just 19 balls. RCB’s powerful start briefly put the pressure back on the hosts and hinted at another memorable run chase.
See also -Watch: Ishan Kishan slams six to Kuldeep Yadav in SRH vs DC IPL 2026 clash
That was when Eshan Malinga stepped up and changed the momentum of the match. The young pacer delivered crucial breakthroughs at key moments, picking up two important wickets and pulling SRH back into the contest. His impactful spell disrupted RCB’s rhythm and played a major role in Hyderabad securing the win. While Kishan starred with the bat, it was Malinga’s game-changing bowling performance that ultimately made him the name everyone was talking about after the match.
What really happened in the SRH dressing room after the coach named Malinga?
During a team meeting inside the Sunrisers Hyderabad dressing room, SRH coach James Franklin began praising a player for his consistency and contributions throughout the season. As Franklin started speaking and mentioned the name “Ishan…”, the camera immediately shifted towards Ishan Kishan, who appeared convinced that the appreciation was directed at him.
Kishan was even seen preparing to get up from his seat, wearing the expression of a player about to receive recognition in front of his teammates. However, the moment took a hilarious turn within seconds when Franklin completed the name and revealed that he was actually referring to Eshan Malinga instead.
See also -Watch: Washington Sundar smashes Eshan Malinga for cheeky six during GT vs SRH IPL 2026
The misunderstanding triggered laughter across the dressing room, while Kishan’s embarrassed yet priceless reaction instantly became the highlight of the viral video. Fans on social media quickly flooded the internet with memes and reactions over the mix-up caused by the similar-sounding names. Meanwhile, SRH have officially confirmed their place in the IPL 2026 playoffs. Kishan currently sits fifth in the Orange Cap standings with 569 runs in 14 matches, while Malinga is also fifth in the Purple Cap race and remains SRH’s leading wicket-taker this season with 19 wickets.
Is Eshan Malinga SRH's secret weapon — and does he start ahead of someone in the Eliminator XI?
Eshan Malinga is quickly emerging as one of Sunrisers Hyderabad’s biggest strengths heading into the IPL 2026 Eliminator. While most of the spotlight has gone to SRH’s explosive batting lineup, the young Sri Lankan pacer has quietly delivered consistent performances with the ball throughout the season. His ability to pick up crucial wickets under pressure has made him a reliable option in high-intensity situations, and his impactful spell against RCB once again highlighted his value to the team.
With 19 wickets this season and a place among the top wicket-takers in the tournament, Malinga has made a strong case for an automatic spot in the playing XI. His recent form, combined with his control in death overs and knack for breaking partnerships, could force the SRH management to rethink their bowling combination for the Eliminator. Given his momentum and confidence, it would not be surprising if SRH back him ahead of another overseas bowling option in the must-win clash.
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