Former CSK Player Criticizes SRH’s Overaggressive Batting Approach, Questions Their Success Rate After Consecutive IPL 2025 Losses
Delhi Capitals (DC) defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by seven wickets last night, handing them their second consecutive loss in IPL 2025. Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) player Cheteshwar Pujara has questioned SRH’s ultra-aggressive batting approach, criticizing their tendency for reckless hitting despite their inconsistent results this season.
SRH has played three matches so far, winning just one, where they posted a massive 286 runs. However, Pujara believes consistency is key, stating, “You need to win more games. You need to show that consistency again and again.”
SRH’s Struggles With Their Batting Approach
Against Delhi Capitals, SRH collapsed for just 163 runs in 18.4 overs. Only three batters managed to score in double figures. Youngster Aniket Verma’s 74 off 41 balls and Heinrich Klaasen’s quickfire 32 off 19 helped them cross the 150-run mark, but it wasn’t enough as Axar Patel’s DC chased the target comfortably.
Earlier, SRH also lost to Rishabh Pant’s Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), failing to defend a 190-run target and losing by five wickets.
Questionable Decisions by SRH
Pujara was left puzzled by SRH’s strategic choices. Speaking on ESPN Cricinfo’s Time Out show, he expressed his surprise at their decision to bat first after winning the toss against LSG in Uppal. He explained that in afternoon matches, conditions generally favor bowlers, making it a better choice to bowl first.
“I was really surprised they chose to bat first. In an afternoon game, the pitch tends to slow down, making it more favorable for bowlers. Ideally, they should have bowled first. As for their batting approach, they went too hard and weren’t smart enough today,” Pujara stated.
The 37-year-old also questioned SRH’s over-reliance on power-hitting. He argued that if the strategy only works occasionally, it lacks long-term effectiveness.
“What is your success rate? If you’re winning just two out of 10 matches, then this approach doesn’t make sense. Last season, they played brilliantly in the league stage, but if one game goes wrong in the knockouts, they won’t have a backup plan,” he warned.
What’s Next for SRH?
Sunrisers Hyderabad will now take on defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on April 3, hoping to turn their fortunes around.
