In the high-intensity world of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the success of a team often hinges on a balance between explosive batting and dependable bowling. However, for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), this balance has consistently been off, particularly in the 2025 season. Their batting failure in a crucial match exposed some significant long-standing concerns in their bowling attack, leaving the franchise to rethink its strategy for the remainder of the tournament.
SRH, once known for their disciplined and tight bowling attack, has increasingly struggled to put together a cohesive performance in both departments. Their latest batting collapse against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) highlighted that while their bowlers can hold the fort in certain matches, their batting lineup’s inconsistency continues to undermine their overall performance. The result was a stark reminder that despite a robust bowling attack, SRH’s inability to chase or post competitive totals is a growing issue that needs immediate attention.
A Batting Collapse: The Immediate Setback
The match against KKR was a prime example of SRH’s vulnerability with the bat. The team, known for having a solid batting lineup, found themselves struggling against KKR’s bowlers, succumbing to a total collapse. While KKR’s bowlers were exceptional in executing their plans, the performance of SRH’s batters raised several questions.
Rahul Tripathi, who had been in good form leading up to this match, failed to capitalize on his opportunities. Harry Brook and Abdul Samad, both promising players, were unable to build partnerships or play the anchor role when required. This batting failure exposed the fragility in SRH’s top order, particularly the inability of the middle order to stabilize an innings when the top order falters. The lack of a strong, dependable backbone in the middle overs has been an issue for SRH in several matches.
What made matters worse was the fact that SRH’s batting failure wasn’t a result of just one or two top-order batsmen faltering—it was a systematic breakdown. Several batsmen, instead of showing resilience, appeared to be caught in the moment, trying to chase an asking rate that wasn’t necessarily steep. Instead of calculating their innings and playing smart cricket, they succumbed to pressure, leading to the team’s downfall.
The Long-standing Bowling Concerns
Despite the batting collapse, SRH’s bowling attack has also been a topic of concern. While the team boasts of quality bowlers like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, T. Natarajan, and Marco Jansen, their inability to maintain consistency and find wickets at key moments has often let the team down. These problems were evident even during their clash with KKR, where the bowlers struggled to capitalize on the breakthroughs they initially created.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, once considered one of India’s finest death bowlers, has been unable to deliver the consistency required in high-pressure situations. His ability to execute yorkers and slower balls has diminished in recent years, and against KKR, he was unable to put pressure on the batsmen when it mattered the most.
T. Natarajan, known for his ability to bowl yorkers in the death overs, has also seen a drop in his effectiveness. Though capable of bowling in the powerplay, Natarajan’s death-over skills have been tested repeatedly, and there have been moments when his deliveries have been easily dispatched by the opposition. The inability to adapt to changing conditions or to bowl with precision at key stages has raised doubts about his ability to close out games.
Marco Jansen, SRH’s tall South African all-rounder, has shown flashes of brilliance with the ball, but his inconsistency has become a major concern. Though capable of extracting bounce and troubling opposition batsmen with his pace, Jansen hasn’t been able to deliver consistently in pressure situations. His lack of control in the middle overs and inability to break partnerships has been a long-standing issue for SRH.
Despite the presence of these quality bowlers, SRH’s overall bowling attack lacks depth and variation, particularly in the absence of a world-class spinner. Unlike other IPL teams that have relied on versatile spinners like Rashid Khan, SRH has struggled to find a reliable mystery spinner or a bowler who can turn the match on its head during the middle overs. The absence of a game-changing spinner like Rashid Khan has exposed SRH’s vulnerability in the middle overs and placed added pressure on their seamers to perform.
Lack of a Strong Bowling Leader
Another issue plaguing SRH’s bowling attack is the absence of a clear leader who can dictate the pace of the game. While Bhuvneshwar Kumar is an experienced player, he hasn’t been able to inspire his teammates or lead by example in key moments. The team lacks a bowler who can build pressure from one end and break partnerships at crucial junctures, particularly when the batting side begins to accelerate.
A leader in the bowling department is essential in T20 cricket, especially when the opposition is building momentum. This is an area where SRH continues to falter, with bowlers lacking the required game awareness and strategic execution to rein in the opposition. When things start to slip, SRH’s bowlers often struggle to regroup and regain control.
The Impact of Batting Failures on Bowling
A lack of runs on the board puts additional pressure on the bowlers, especially when chasing a target. In SRH’s case, their inability to post competitive totals, particularly in high-pressure situations, has left the bowlers with little margin for error. When the batting collapses, the bowlers are expected to deliver an almost perfect performance, which is unrealistic in the highly competitive IPL.
In the KKR match, SRH’s bowlers did their best to keep the opposition in check, but the team’s low total meant that KKR didn’t have to push too hard. The pressure of defending a small total took its toll on the SRH bowlers, and they were unable to mount any significant challenge. This cycle of batting collapses followed by bowling pressure has been a recurring theme for SRH, and it’s clear that both departments need to function together if the team is to have any chance of success.
What Needs to Change?
To address their long-standing issues, SRH must rethink their approach to both batting and bowling. Here are a few key areas that need attention:
1. Top-Order Stability
The top-order must step up and provide more stability. Rahul Tripathi, Harry Brook, and Abdul Samad have shown potential, but they need to take on more responsibility and play anchor roles when needed. The top-order needs to rotate strike, build partnerships, and avoid getting bogged down under pressure.
2. Death Bowling Improvements
SRH needs to focus on improving their death bowling, especially in high-pressure situations. They must invest in bowlers who can execute yorkers, slower balls, and wide yorkers consistently. Bowlers like Natarajan and Bhuvneshwar Kumar need to regain their form, while SRH must also look at potential alternatives to ensure they have a reliable death bowling option.
3. Find a Match-Winning Spinner
With spinners being key to controlling the middle overs, SRH needs to identify a spinner who can take wickets in the middle and help control the game. The lack of a quality spinner has hurt SRH in the past, and this remains a key area for improvement.
4. Team Morale and Leadership
SRH’s leadership needs to be stronger and more proactive. The captain must rally the team in tough moments and create a sense of urgency, especially when one department is struggling. Clear communication and strong leadership are essential for turning around their fortunes.
Conclusion
SRH’s batting collapse against KKR was a reflection of the broader issues that have plagued the team over multiple seasons. Their batting failures, combined with long-standing bowling concerns, have exposed the team’s vulnerabilities. If SRH hopes to make a serious run in the IPL, both their batting and bowling units must step up, with a renewed focus on consistency, adaptability, and smart cricketing skills. Addressing these key issues will be essential for SRH to regain their competitive edge and challenge for the title in future seasons.
