IPL 2025: Sunrisers Hyderabad suffer back-to-back losses—Is their top-order inconsistency the key concern? How can SRH turn things around?
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) started IPL 2025 with a batting lineup that promised fireworks, something which set the tone for SRH last year. However, as the tournament has progressed, their top order—once feared for its explosiveness—has started showing cracks. Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, and Ishan Kishan, who were expected to dominate, have struggled for consistency, leading to a noticeable dip in SRH’s batting performances.
Despite occasional flashes of brilliance, SRH’s batting has lacked the synergy needed to consistently put up big scores. From a misfiring top order to the absence of a reliable lower-order batter, the problems are piling up. Let’s take a deeper dive into what’s ailing for SRH.
Abhishek Sharma’s slump: Cause for concern
Abhishek Sharma was one of the bright spots for SRH, providing quick starts and playing fearless cricket, complimenting his opening partner Head. However, teams have started to exploit his weaknesses, particularly against quality fast bowling. His dismissals have become predictable—falling to short-pitched deliveries or edging when trying to force the pace early in his innings. The left-hander’s inability to convert starts into substantial scores has put undue pressure on the rest of the batting unit. For SRH to get back on track, Abhishek needs to rediscover his fluency and, more importantly, play longer innings. So far, he has managed only 31 runs in 3 innings and the stats clearly display that.
In addition to this, Ishan Kishan scored a century in the side’s campaign opener against Rajasthan Royals in just 45 balls. But then, he scored a duck in the game against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at their home ground and 2 runs off 5 balls against Delhi Capitals. Nitish Reddy’s performance has also been the same this season. Batting at number 4, Reddy has scored 62 runs at an average of 20.62, striking at 137.
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No. 7 conundrum: A missing link
In modern T20 cricket, having a dependable No. 7 is crucial. Teams like Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians have historically had finishers who can rescue an innings or provide the final flourish. For SRH, this role remains unfilled, with Abhinav Manohar failing to capitalize on the opportunity, managing just 6 runs in 3 games so far. Heinrich Klaasen has been tasked with playing the finisher’s role, but when he departs early, SRH’s batting crumbles. The lack of a reliable lower-order batter beyond Aniket Verma has weakened their lineup, making them overly dependent on the top order.er.
Not clicking as a unit
The hallmark of a great T20 side is that when one batter fails, another steps up. Unfortunately for SRH, their top order has faltered collectively. If Head finds form, Sharma struggles; if Sharma gets going, Kishan falls cheaply. This lack of collective rhythm has prevented SRH from building momentum in their innings. Unlike successful batting units, where partnerships flourish under pressure, SRH’s batters have been unable to complement each other.
A taste of their own medicine for #SRH?
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 27, 2025
Lack of a big ‘Impact Player’
With the Impact Player rule allowing teams to strengthen their batting depth, many franchises have successfully used it to their advantage. However, SRH have struggled to find a batter/bowler who can consistently make a difference in this role. The lack of an explosive game-changer off the bench has meant that the team often relies on their starting XI to deliver, which hasn’t always worked in their favour. SRH have used Adam Zampa and Wiaan Mulder as impact substitutes so far, but neither has made a significant impact yet.Other teams have found impact players who change games in a few overs, but SRH are yet to unearth such a gem.
Road to redemption
SRH’s path to revival hinges on a few key factors. Abhishek Sharma needs to adapt and focus on building his innings while maintaining his attacking approach. The management needs to identify a reliable finisher—whether from within the squad or through tactical reshuffling. Additionally, finding a strong impact batter could help them add stability and firepower.
The tournament is far from over, but time is running out for SRH to address their batting woes. If their top order continues to misfire, their chances of making a deep run could diminish quickly. The onus is now on their batters to step up and reclaim the dominance they once promised.
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