In the high-octane world of IPL 2025, where each ball can change the game’s fate, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) captain Pat Cummins has chosen to dig his heels in, sticking to an aggressive batting strategy despite enduring two straight losses. Those following the recent matches would recall the initial fireworks when SRH slammed a massive 286/6 against Rajasthan Royals, only to falter in subsequent battles against Lucknow Super Giants and Delhi Capitals.
Pat Cummins, the Australian cricketer known for his fiery deliveries, displayed remarkable composure while addressing the media. He didn’t flinch when discussing the top-order’s struggles and some dicey shot selections that didn’t go their way. The mantra was clear: in a format like IPL, risks can lead to big rewards, and SRH had no plans of backing down. ‘That’s not our team. We need to keep going hard,’ he insisted, pointing out that upcoming matches on batting-friendly pitches would demand no less than audacious play.
It’s worth noting that one bright spark, amidst the chaos, was Aniket Verma’s valiant 41-ball 74 against the Delhi Capitals which proved to be a lifesaver in a tricky spot. This innings kept them from dipping below 150 runs, a feat that brought glimpses of their potential into stark relief.
Criticisms and Calls for Tactics Tweaks
However, the intense analysis didn’t spare SRH's batting order. Experts like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ian Bishop didn’t shy away from pointing out the team’s vulnerabilities. Cheteshwar Pujara called SRH’s choice to bat first in a day game ‘not smart enough’, pointing towards some seemingly avoidable errors. Meanwhile, Ian Bishop noted that though aggression wasn’t inherently problematic, players such as Heinrich Klaasen should consider playing deeper to support their in-form teammates, like Verma, with a measured consolidation phase.
A critical moment came at the hands of Delhi Capitals’ Mitchell Starc, whose fiery five-wicket haul laid bare some chinks in SRH’s batting armor. It was a call that, while not shaking Cummins’ faith in their strategy, hinted they may require minor tweaks to their game plan.
Looking ahead, optimism remains the air for SRH as they set their sights on the Kolkata Knight Riders at the iconic Eden Gardens. Known for its flat pitch, Cummins sees the ground as fertile for SRH to rediscover their attacking rhythm. His belief is unwavering that a couple of setbacks won’t derail their championship chase. ‘It’s too early to worry about being two down. Hopefully, we’ll get back going forward’, he concluded.