HYDERABAD – As the IPL 2025 season progresses, Sunrisers Hyderabad are at a critical juncture. The team, known for their aggressive batting approach, finds itself at the bottom of the table after suffering three consecutive defeats. Their next challenge is against the Gujarat Titans, a team riding high on confidence after back-to-back victories.
The Sunrisers’ philosophy of going hard from the outset propelled them to the final last season. However, this year, their batters have struggled to replicate those performances. Captain Pat Cummins acknowledged the need for a strategic rethink following an 80-run loss to Kolkata Knight Riders. ‘You have to be realistic — three games in a row, it has not come off for us. Our batters are at their best taking it on, but you have to think about if you could take different options,’ Cummins reflected.
Despite starting the season with a bang by posting the league’s second-highest total of 286 against Rajasthan Royals, SRH’s openers have since faltered. Travis Head has been silenced in recent games, while Abhishek Sharma has managed only 33 runs across four matches. Ishan Kishan, who dazzled with a century on debut, has failed to make an impact since. This has left the middle order, including Nitish Kumar Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen, and Aniket Verma, under immense pressure. The team’s low totals of 190 against LSG, 163 against DC, and a mere 120 against KKR have not provided enough support for their bowlers.
The bowling unit has also struggled, with Cummins conceding runs at an economy rate of 12.30, Adam Zampa at 11.75, and Mohammed Shami at 10 runs per over. None of these key bowlers have been able to complete their quota of four overs effectively. The only bright spot has been leg-spinner Zeeshan Ali, who has shown promise.
On the other hand, the Gujarat Titans are in fine form, having secured a 36-run victory over Mumbai Indians and an eight-wicket win against Royal Challengers Bangalore. Sai Sudharsan has been consistent at the top of the order, amassing 186 runs, while Jos Buttler has found his rhythm, scoring an unbeaten 73 against RCB. The Titans’ batting lineup is further bolstered by Shubman Gill at the top and Sherfane Rutherford in the middle.
Their bowling attack has been led by Mohammed Siraj, who wreaked havoc against RCB, and Prasidh Krishna, who has been effective. While most batters have figured out Rashid Khan‘s variations, the Titans have found a reliable option in left-arm spinner R Sai Kishore, who has troubled opposition with his clever bowling. However, they will miss the services of Kagiso Rabada, who has returned home for personal reasons.
As Sunrisers Hyderabad host Gujarat Titans at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Sunday, the first match at the venue since the controversy over free tickets, they will be desperate to turn their fortunes around. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter as SRH looks to climb out of the bottom and GT aims to maintain their winning streak.