The atmosphere surrounding the Sunrisers Hyderabad team was notably different as IPL 2025 commenced. On paper, they were considered strong contenders for the title, yet much of the conversation revolved around their potential to surpass the 300-run threshold during the tournament. This speculation gained momentum when they set a new record with a score of 286/6 in their opening match. However, the 2016 champions have since faced challenges, failing to exceed 200 runs in four consecutive losses.

SRH began their IPL 2025 journey in a manner reminiscent of their previous season, where they finished as runners-up. They secured a victory against the Rajasthan Royals in their first match, coming tantalizingly close to breaking their own record for the highest team score in IPL history. Unfortunately, the batting lineup has struggled to find form since then. The formidable opening duo of Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, who had dominated bowlers last season, has only managed a combined total of 84 runs this season, without achieving a single half-century partnership. Ishan Kishan, anticipated to enhance SRH's aggressive approach following his century in the opening game, has only contributed 21 runs over the next four matches, including three scores in single digits.

In his column for Sportstar, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar likened the SRH batsmen to young drivers in flashy cars who have so far evaded consequences for running red lights. 

"Speed has a certain allure, doesn't it? While it can be exhilarating, it can also lead to peril. Last year, the Sunrisers Hyderabad, with their openers Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, established a new standard for batting during the Powerplay and beyond. They played at an astonishing pace, catching their opponents off guard, and nearly achieved the remarkable feat of surpassing the 300-run mark in the IPL. Their batting style resembled that of young individuals in their sleek sports cars, navigating through traffic signals without facing repercussions," he remarked.

How have oppositions exposed SRH?

Gavaskar The discussion also highlighted how the aggressive strategy of SRH was effectively countered in IPL 2025, attributing this to the astute bowling tactics employed by their opponents. The Indian cricket legend noted that the Sunrisers have struggled against slower deliveries in their last four matches.

"This season, in their opening game, SRH managed to evade detection, akin to running a red light. However, just as traffic authorities adapt to catch violators, the bowlers from various IPL teams have begun to effectively restrain not only SRH but also other teams attempting to replicate their approach. As of now, SRH has suffered four consecutive defeats, with their top three batsmen failing to make significant contributions. The strategy of delivering slower balls, combined with the occasional delivery aimed at the batters' ribcage, has led to dismissals at deep square-leg during the Powerplay. The batsmen will need to devise a new strategy to navigate these challenges," he remarked.

Currently positioned at the bottom of the points table, SRH is set to face Punjab Kings at home on Saturday.

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