Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper Ishan Kishan found himself at the centre of an unexpected off-field storyline during IPL 2026 having to do with his bat, not his batting.
During Match 17 against Punjab Kings in New Chandigarh, Kishan walked out to bat with a completely unbranded bat, triggering widespread curiosity across the cricket ecosystem. In a league where commercial visibility is tightly interwoven with player identity, the absence of a sponsor logo was immediately noticeable — and highly unusual.
The moment quickly gained traction on social media, with fans and industry watchers questioning whether the move signalled a deeper commercial shift.
Kishan, batting at No. 3 after Punjab opted to bowl first, inadvertently turned his equipment into one of the biggest talking points of the match.
End of a long-standing SG partnership?
For years, Kishan’s bat had been closely associated with SG (Sanspareils Greenlands), a partnership that spanned his rise from domestic cricket to the international stage.
Before joining SG in 2019, Kishan had briefly used CEAT bats early in his career. However, SG became synonymous with his on-field identity during a crucial phase of his development — from his India debut to major global tournaments.
That makes the sudden absence of SG branding mid-season particularly significant.
Contract expiry or negotiation breakdown?
While there has been no official confirmation from either Kishan or SG, according to CREX, the situation could be tied to a contract transition.
In cricket’s endorsement landscape, it is not uncommon for players to temporarily use stickerless bats during negotiations or immediately after a deal expires. However, the timing — in the middle of the IPL season — has amplified speculation.
As per M9, some reports indicate a potential disagreement over revised commercial terms. Kishan’s growing profile, boosted by his performances for India and leadership role with Sunrisers Hyderabad, may have led him to seek a significantly upgraded deal.
There are also suggestions that market comparisons — including deals involving emerging Indian stars — may have influenced negotiations, ultimately resulting in a breakdown with SG.
Is a new sponsor imminent?
With Kishan currently among the most marketable Indian players — combining international pedigree with IPL captaincy — industry observers believe a new bat sponsorship announcement could be imminent.
CEAT has already emerged in early speculation as a potential destination, though nothing has been formally confirmed.
Such transitions are often short-lived, particularly for high-profile players, as brands compete aggressively for visibility in the IPL’s global spotlight.
What to watch next
With SRH set for upcoming fixtures, attention will remain firmly on Kishan’s bat as much as his batting.
Whether a new logo appears — or the blank bat continues — could offer early signals about his next commercial move. Either way, the episode has already achieved one outcome: putting Kishan’s brand value firmly back in the spotlight.
