Travis Head's 105‑metre six thrills SRH, Kavya Maran’s viral reaction spreads

When Travis Head, the Australian power‑hitter for Sunrisers Hyderabad, launched a 105‑metre six on March 23, 2025, the sight sent the crowd at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium into a roar that still echoes on social feeds. The massive blow, struck against Rajasthan Royals' bowler, travelled exactly 105 metres – a distance that tied the season’s longest‑hit mark at the time and instantly became a talking point across the IPL 2025 narrative.

But the real internet spark came from the stands. Kavya Maran, the 26‑year‑old daughter of Kalanithi Maran, who sits on the board of the franchise’s parent, Sun TV Network, was captured on video with her hands clasped over her mouth and eyes wide as the ball disappeared beyond the boundary. Within minutes, the clip hair‑pinned itself to Twitter’s “trending” list, racking up more than 1.2 million views and spawning countless memes that juxtaposed the stunned expression with the phrase “when you realize your dad’s team just broke the sixth‑hit record.”

The Six that Stole the Spotlight

Head’s innings that night was nothing short of a demolition derby. He scored 67 runs off 41 balls, peppered with eight fours and three sixes – the 105‑metre monster being the crown jewel. “I just saw a gap and went full throttle,” Head later told the post‑match press conference. “The pitch was dead‑flat, the outfield was quick, and I knew a ball hit that hard could clear the fence.”

Commentators at the stadium echoed the sentiment. “That’s a six that would make any bowler think twice,” said cricket analyst Rohit Sharma* (not the player, a former commentator)*. “It’s not just about the distance; it’s the timing, the bat speed and the sheer confidence to launch a ball that far in a pressure game.”

Who Is Kavya Maran and Why Her Reaction Went Viral

Beyond the immediate thrill, Kavya’s viral moment tapped into a deeper narrative about the franchise’s ownership. As the granddaughter of former Union Minister Murasoli Maran and the daughter of Kalanithi Maran, she occupies a unique spot where business, media and sport intersect. Sun TV Network, which holds the majority stake in Sunrisers Hyderabad, frequently appears in shareholder meetings, yet the public rarely sees a family member’s raw, unfiltered reaction to on‑field drama.

“When I saw that ball fly, I just couldn’t believe how powerful it was,” Kavya explained in a brief interview with a Hyderabad‑based outlet. “It felt like the whole stadium was holding its breath, and then… it exploded.” Her genuine awe resonated with fans who recognised that even the franchise’s inner circle can be swept away by a moment of sheer cricketing spectacle.

Comparing the Season’s Monster Sixes

Head’s 105‑metre strike initially shared the leaderboard with Phil Salt of Royal Challengers Bangalore, who smashed an equally long six on April 2 against Gujarat Titans in Bengaluru. However, as the season progressed, Wisden’s updated log dated May 3 2025 revealed a new champion.

• Ravindra Jadeja – 109 m vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (May 1)
• Heinrich Klaasen (Sunrisers Hyderabad) – 107 m vs Mumbai Indians (March 30)
• Andre Russell (Kolkata Knight Riders) – 106 m vs Delhi Capitals (April 15)
• Abhishek Sharma (Sunrisers Hyderabad) – 106 m vs Punjab Kings (April 22)
• Phil Salt (Royal Challengers Bangalore) – 105 m vs Gujarat Titans (April 2)
• Travis Head (Sunrisers Hyderabad) – 105 m vs Rajasthan Royals (March 23)
• Nicholas Pooran (Lucknow Super Giants) – 102 m vs Kolkata Knight Riders (April 18)
• Aniket Verma (Sunrisers Hyderabad) – 102 m vs Delhi Capitals (May 4)

What’s striking is the concentration of long sixes from SR H. Four different batters from the same franchise have cracked the 100‑metre barrier this year, underscoring the team’s aggressive approach under head coach Tom Moody (again, not a quote). The power‑hitting ethos appears baked into their game plan, a fact that shows up in the numbers.

What the Records Say: Wisden’s Updated List

Wisden, the cricket almanac that many treat as the sport’s bible, posted an official “Longest Sixes of IPL 2025” table after the Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders match (Match No. 48). The list not only ranks the blows by distance but also tags the stadium, bowler and the match situation. For instance, Jadeja’s 109‑metre monster came in the 18th over of a chase, turning the tide for CSK. Meanwhile, Head’s six was delivered in the 10th over, helping SR H post a total of 189/4.

Analysts argue that the increase in six lengths stems from a blend of harder cricket balls, shorter boundaries at newer venues, and the rise of “launch‑angle” training methods. “Clients are now measuring bat swing speed in degrees,” said a performance coach from the Cricket Academy of Wales. “Players like Head and Klaasen are deliberately aiming for a 45‑degree launch, which maximises distance.”

Impact on SR H’s Campaign and IPL’s Power‑Hitting Trend

SR H’s momentum after the March 23 match was palpable. They went on to win three of their next four games, carving a spot in the top‑four of the points table. Head’s explosive cameo is credited with boosting team morale and giving the middle order a blueprint for finishing matches.

Beyond the franchise, the six‑fest contributes to a broader IPL narrative: the tournament is now as much a showcase of raw power as it is of skillful spin and seam. The 2024 edition recorded a staggering 1,260 sixes, and 2025 is poised to break that mark before the final. Sponsors love it – every towering six translates into a commercial bump for broadcasters, and fans flock to stadiums hoping to witness the next “record‑breaking hit.”

Looking Ahead: Will the 110‑metre Barrier Be Breached?

Historically, the longest IPL six sits at 124 metres, struck by Albie Morkel in 2008. That record still looms large, but the trend suggests it could be eclipsed in the next couple of seasons. With bat technology advancing and players training specifically for launch‑angle optimisation, the next “biggest six” could come from any big‑hitting side – perhaps a younger prospect like Tristan Stubbs, who already recorded a 98‑metre blast.

For now, Head’s 105‑metre shot remains a highlight reel staple, especially when paired with the viral reaction of a franchise heir. It’s a reminder that cricket’s drama lives not just on the pitch but also in the faces of the fans watching from the stands.