3 Reasons Why Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) Are Struggling and How They Can Bounce Back in IPL 2025
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) need to make key adjustments in both their lineup and playing strategy to turn their season around.
After an explosive start in IPL 2025 where they posted a massive 286/6 against Rajasthan Royals (RR), SRH seemed poised to dominate the tournament. However, their momentum has stalled, and they have struggled to score at the same pace in their last two matches.
While their aggressive approach remains intact, their inability to build partnerships and adapt to different conditions has led to back-to-back losses against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Delhi Capitals (DC). With their high-risk strategy leading to frequent collapses, SRH must find a balance between attack and stability.
Here are three key reasons behind SRH’s struggles and how they can turn things around:
1. Overly Aggressive and One-Dimensional Top Order
SRH boasts one of the most explosive top orders in IPL 2025, featuring Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, and Ishan Kishan. All three batters play with high strike rates and aggressive intent. However, their all-out attack has left them vulnerable, leading to frequent early wickets.
Additionally, having three left-handed batters (LHBs) in the top order has made it easier for opposition bowlers to execute a consistent strategy without adjusting their lines and lengths. This has allowed teams to neutralize SRH’s power-hitters effectively.
Potential Fix:
- Introduce more variety in the top order by reshuffling the batting positions. Moving Ishan Kishan to No.4 could provide better balance.
- Focus on shot selection rather than blind slogging. SRH batters should respect good deliveries and look to rotate the strike when boundaries aren’t available.
2. Lack of Reliable Middle-Order Batters
Despite the impact player rule, SRH lacks depth and reliability in their batting lineup. Abhinav Manohar, positioned at No.7, has been inconsistent despite his talent, while Pat Cummins, though capable of big hits, cannot be relied upon for regular finishing roles.
SRH experimented with Wiaan Mulder as an impact player, but his batting hasn’t been strong enough for the IPL level. He takes time to settle, which doesn’t suit the aggressive approach of SRH. Moreover, his inclusion weakens the bowling attack.
Potential Fix:
- Strengthen the middle order by giving more responsibility to experienced batters.
- Consider bringing in an additional all-rounder who can provide both stability with the bat and depth in bowling.
- Encourage better shot selection and adaptability rather than relying solely on power-hitting.
3. Key Pacers Struggling with Line and Length
SRH aimed to build a formidable pace attack in the IPL 2025 auction by acquiring Indian speedsters like Mohammed Shami, Harshal Patel, and Simarjeet Singh. However, their bowling unit, including Pat Cummins, has been inconsistent and expensive.
Harshal Patel has had some promising spells, but the overall execution from the pacers has been poor, with wayward lengths and ineffective death bowling. SRH even dropped Simarjeet Singh against DC to include Wiaan Mulder, but the move didn’t work.
Potential Fix:
- Reinstate Simarjeet Singh as a middle-over enforcer.
- Encourage Shami and Cummins to adopt a more defensive approach in the powerplay to restrict runs.
- Consider bringing in Jaydev Unadkat, who performed well last season despite playing on flat tracks.
What’s Next for SRH?
Sunrisers Hyderabad must make quick tactical adjustments before their next match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens on April 3. With some strategic changes, they can regain their winning form and stay competitive in IPL 2025.
