SRH's Struggles in IPL 2025-A Team Losing Its Way

SunRisers Hyderabad began this IPL season in grand style. They trashed Rajasthan Royals and seemed confident and strong. The fans believed this team could do well. But things have soon turned around. Now SRH is struggling. They have lost three consecutive matches. This dismal run has raised questions about the team. Veteran Indian player [Virender Sehwag] has severely criticized them. He stated SRH is becoming like [Punjab Kings] who are infamous for losing games they must win.

[Virender Sehwag] described how SRH batted well in previous matches but continued to lose. He told them they scored 190 and got defeated. They then scored 160 and got defeated once more. In their recent match against [Kolkata Knight Riders] they were unable to chase a score of 201. Their powerful batting order collapsed and got all out at only 120. Sehwag stated that the pitch was not even tough. It was not assisting bowlers either. The ball was not turning much and bowlers were employing slower balls. A good batsman could have adapted. But none of the SRH batsmen lingered long enough at the crease.

This indicates a deep issue in the team. The batting is not working. The same batsmen who began the season by scoring quick and big scores are now getting out cheaply. This is hurting the team severely. [Virender Sehwag] highlighted how fans expect SRH to play an exciting brand of cricket. They have made a reputation of being entertaining to watch. But the spark seems to have gone out now. Sehwag remarked that although the game was played in Kolkata, the fans were looking for something entertaining from Hyderabad. Instead the team fell apart and gave fans nothing to get excited about.

Their journey thus far has been a roller coaster of hope and despair. After defeating [Rajasthan Royals] in a huge manner everyone believed SRH was on the right track. That win proved teamwork and spirit. But it all changed when they played against [Lucknow Super Giants]. Lucknow easily chased 191 runs and gave Hyderabad their first loss. Things went from bad to worse. [Delhi Capitals] gave them another tough loss. Then [Kolkata Knight Riders] defeated them by a massive 80-run margin.

This losing run has established that something is amiss within the team. The captain [Pat Cummins] and the rest of the team must think deeply. The team has the talent but it is not translating on the field. The aggressive approach that worked for them earlier is now working against them. The batters are playing big shots early and getting dismissed. There is no plan B and no patience. This has weakened their game and made it easily breakable.

Yet hope remains. SRH's bowling coach [James Franklin] opines that the team can stage a comeback. He still defends the power hitters in the team. He is of the view that the batters can find their touch once again and start scoring big-time. The team needs such a belief at this moment. If they are able to rectify their mindset and play intelligent cricket they could well turn things around.

IPL is a long season. Few poor games don't determine the entire season. But SRH need to take action quickly. If they continue to lose they may lose the opportunity to reach the playoffs. Their players have to take charge. They should remember what they did in the first game and infuse that enthusiasm again.

[Virender Sehwag's] words may be harsh but they also reflect fans' and experts' disappointment. SRH is a side that has so much to offer. But promise does not work if it does not translate into wins. The next few games will be crucial for SRH. They need to show fight. They need to demonstrate that they are not a team with only big names but a fighting one. They need to turn themselves into a side that delivers at the crunch moments.

For the time being the comparison with [Punish Kings] will remain. It is in the hands of [Pat Cummins] and his players to alter the narrative. They still have time. They still have the talent. But they need to wake up and get things right before it's too late.