IPL 2025: Analyzing the Struggles of Last Season’s Finalists, SRH
IPL 2025 has kicked off with significant anticipation, especially surrounding last season’s runners-up, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). After impressively scoring 287 runs against Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2024, expectations were high for SRH to aim for the elusive 300-run mark. Their opening match against the Rajasthan Royals showcased their potential, with new recruit Ishan Kishan scoring a century and helping the team to a total of 286 runs. However, SRH’s subsequent performance has been disappointing, as they now find themselves on the brink of playoff elimination with only three wins from ten matches.
Decline of Key Partnerships
The duo of Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma was instrumental in SRH’s success during IPL 2024, combining for 1,051 runs over 16 innings with an impressive strike rate of 197.2. Their aggressive play was highlighted by a remarkable tally of 74 sixes. However, in IPL 2025, their performance has noticeably declined. So far this season, they have managed just 595 runs across ten innings, with a reduced strike rate of 168.1 and only 26 sixes. This downturn has raised concerns about their ability to replicate past successes and contribute effectively to the team’s overall performance.
Struggles in the Middle Order
In IPL 2024, SRH’s middle order was bolstered by players like Nitish Reddy and Heinrich Klaasen, who provided essential support to the opening pair. Reddy had a productive season, scoring 303 runs at a strike rate of 142.92, while Klaasen contributed significantly with 479 runs at a strike rate of 171.07. Unfortunately, both players have seen their form dip dramatically in IPL 2025. Reddy’s current tally stands at only 173 runs, with a strike rate of 120.14, and he has yet to score a half-century this season. Klaasen’s performance has also taken a hit, with 311 runs at a strike rate of 153.96. Additionally, Ishan Kishan’s promising debut was short-lived, as he has only accumulated 196 runs since his century in the opening match, averaging 24.50.
Bowling Woes for SRH
The bowling department has also been a concern for SRH this season. Pat Cummins and T Natarajan were pivotal in the previous season, taking 18 and 19 wickets respectively. However, Cummins has struggled to fill the void left by Natarajan, managing only 10 wickets in ten matches. Mohammed Shami has similarly underperformed, with just six dismissals in nine matches. Harshal Patel stands out as SRH’s leading wicket-taker with 13 wickets, highlighting the overall inadequacy of the bowling unit. The absence of a quality spinner, especially after Adam Zampa’s injury, has further exacerbated the team’s struggles, underscoring the need for improvement in the bowling department.
Need for Strategic Changes
The current performance of SRH has raised questions about their strategy and player form. With six spinners in the league achieving 12 or more wickets, SRH’s inability to find effective spin options has been glaring. Former Team India fielding coach R Sridhar emphasized the necessity for SRH to secure a quality spinner capable of excelling in middle overs. He acknowledged the current challenges faced by the batters and expressed hope that the franchise would rebound, underscoring the importance of maintaining an aggressive approach while also addressing their weaknesses. As the season progresses, the focus will be on whether SRH can adapt and reclaim their competitive edge.
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