Mumbai: "This game is unforgiving. Nothing is ever certain," Travis Head remarked just before launching his IPL 2025 season with an explosive performance, scoring 67 runs off 31 balls against the Rajasthan Royals.

The South Australian has embraced the importance of staying grounded in reality. This lesson stems from his inconsistent beginnings in international cricket; for five years, from 2016, his career struggled to gain momentum until it finally took off.

As we know, Head was the leading run-scorer in T20 cricket last year, achieving his runs at a faster pace than anyone else. "Prepare thoroughly. And hope for the best. If it doesn’t happen, remain calm and understand that success is just around the corner," he conveyed to the broadcasters.

This mindset has helped Head navigate the anxiety of competing for his position. Now in a positive mental state, he seizes opportunities, capitalizing on more chances and minimizing mistakes. Much of this improvement is attributed to his increasing confidence in simplifying the game.

"I believe his relaxed demeanor makes him particularly formidable. Having experienced international cricket and then facing a period of exclusion has enhanced his skills, as he now comprehends the fluctuations of both international and franchise cricket," stated Aaron Finch, JioStar expert and Head’s inaugural T20I captain, in an interview with HT.

"In T20 cricket, one cannot possess a personality that is overly attached to every outcome, as achieving consistent results is nearly impossible. When playing such a high-risk game and aiming for scores above 200, it is essential to recognize that bad days will occur," Finch explained.

He further noted, "When you become too attached, you tend to tighten up and alter your batting approach. This is one reason why he excels across all formats. He accepts both the highs and lows, and when he is in form, he ensures to capitalize on it significantly."

Indian bowlers are well aware of this reality. They have frequently found themselves on the receiving end of Head's effective strategy.

During the 2023 World Test Championship final, he capitalized on their failure to implement the short ball tactic early in the match. In the 2023 World Cup final, Head enjoyed some fortune against the new ball before quickly finding his rhythm. In the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the left-handed batsman scored centuries on two occasions, as Indian bowlers struggled to confine him to a limited scoring area. When Head is in an aggressive mood, his remarkable ability to attack any delivery length leaves little room for error.

Not your typical elegant left-hander, Head has refined his technique to enhance his aggressive batting style. Last year, Abhishek Sharma supported him by targeting off-spinners—brought in specifically to challenge Head—during the powerplay. At the beginning of the new season, when Rajasthan Royals introduced Maheesh Theekshana early in the innings, it was Head who skillfully guided the Sri Lankan bowler past point and lofted him over his head, signaling his intent.

Since last year’s IPL, Abhishek has significantly improved his performance against pace, further elevating Head’s reputation. The duo, known as Travi-shek, has become one of the most formidable opening partnerships in the game, and their explosive performance on Sunday was merely a preview of what is to come.

“They both possess a style of play that, once they gain momentum, they relentlessly press on and score runs on both sides of the wicket,” Finch remarked. “Despite both being left-handers, their contrasting abilities create a dynamic that resembles facing a left-right batting combination.”

With Head and Abhishek dominating the Powerplay on batting-friendly home pitches, Sunrisers Hyderabad have developed their own version of home-ground supremacy, reminiscent of the successful strategies employed by five-time champions Chennai Super Kings.

“As it stands, Travis Head can take a seat for 20 overs as an Impact Player and then step out to open the batting innings. He is truly living the dream,” Finch added.

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