Why Did Ishan Kishan Play With a Stickerless Bat Against RR?

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals grabbed attention for an unusual reason, with SRH skipper Ishan Kishan in focus. The left-handed wicketkeeper-batter was spotted batting with a sticker-less bat that became the talking point of the match.

In a tournament where branding is almost inseparable from a player's identity, the absence of any brand logo stood out instantly during the SRH vs RR IPL 2026 match, sparking curiosity among fans about Ishan Kishan no logo bat.

Why Did Ishan Kishan Use a Stickerless Bat?

According to Dailyhunt, the main reason behind Ishan Kishan stickerless bat seems to be a transition phase in his bat sponsorship deal. The star batter has long been associated with SG bats, with the logo visible throughout his rise in domestic and international cricket.

However, in recent IPL matches, he has walked out without any branding. This typically happens when a player's contract with the brand expires, and negotiations with a new sponsor are ongoing.

It would be interesting to see how soon Kishan, one of the best wicketkeepers in IPL, can get a sponsor again, and with which brand he will join hands. Considering the stature of Kishan in international cricket right now, there must by any high-profile brand that is likely to provide Ishan Kishan bat sponsorship.

Ishan Kishan Misses Out On a Century

Ishan Kishan might not have a sponsor on his bat right now, but he let his performance do all the talking against Rajasthan Royals. Leading from the front, Kishan played a stunning 91-run knock off just 44 balls, narrowly missing out on a well-deserved century but showing why he is amongst the best batsmen in IPL currently.

The left-handed batter had to come out to bat in the second delivery of the match as opener Abhishek Sharma departed on a golden duck. However, Kishan took charge of the innings with aggressive intent, smashing eight fours and six sixes at a strike rate of 206.82. His crucial 88-run partnership with Heinrich Klaasen laid the foundation for a massive total, as SRH eventually posted 216/6 in 20 overs.

This knock put him second on the list of IPL Orange cap list this season. The left-hander has continued his magnificent form right from the ICC T20 World Cup where he helped India lift the title. If SRH are to make a comeback this season, Kishan will have a big role to play.