SRH in Desperate Need of Course Correction After Hat-trick of Losses
Hyderabad, April 5 — Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) will be under pressure to halt their downward spiral when they face Gujarat Titans in their fifth IPL 2025 clash at the Uppal Stadium on Sunday. After a high-octane start to their campaign with a record-breaking 286-run total, SRH’s aggressive approach has faltered badly, leading to three consecutive defeats.Currently languishing at the bottom of the points table in 10th place, Pat Cummins' side is struggling to strike the right balance between fearless cricket and reckless execution. The team’s subsequent scores of 190, 163, and a dismal 120 are indicative of their batting unit’s inconsistencies.
Batting Firepower Failing to Fire
SRH's batting woes have been compounded by the poor form of key players like Travis Head, Ishan Kishan, and Heinrich Klaasen. Despite returning to their run-friendly home ground in Hyderabad, the team has not capitalized on conditions — exemplified by their 190-run effort against Lucknow Super Giants that still ended in defeat.With the tournament approaching its halfway mark, SRH's top-order must rediscover form to stay in contention. Another loss could push them dangerously close to the elimination zone.
Bowling Unit Under the Scanner
The bowling department has offered little respite for SRH. Aside from young leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari, who has claimed four wickets with an economy rate of 9.75, the rest of the attack has been ineffective. Captain Cummins has conceded at 12.30 runs per over, Adam Zampa at 11.75, and veteran pacer Mohammed Shami has also struggled with an economy of 10.Alarmingly, no SRH bowler has managed to complete their full four-over quota in all matches, signaling issues with rhythm and strategy.
Titans Riding High on Momentum
In contrast, Gujarat Titans are riding a wave of confidence after a commanding victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Their top-order looks formidable with B Sai Sudharsan offering stability, Shubman Gill leading from the front, and Jos Buttler regaining form.The middle-order is bolstered by power-hitters like Sherfane Rutherford and Rahul Tewatia, although Shahrukh Khan remains a concern. The Titans will, however, miss the services of pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada, who has returned home due to personal reasons.
Rabada’s Replacement Options
Gujarat faces a critical decision in choosing Rabada’s replacement. If the team opts for batting depth, Glenn Phillips—an explosive batter, handy off-spinner, and world-class fielder—emerges as the top choice. For a direct pace replacement, Gerald Coetzee is in contention, while Afghanistan’s Karim Janat could fill the void as a genuine all-rounder.Balanced Titans Hold the Edge
The Titans’ bowling attack, despite Rashid Khan’s diminishing aura, remains more potent than SRH’s. R Sai Kishore has stepped up impressively, while Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna are expected to maintain pressure with the new ball.Match Details
Venue: Uppal Stadium, HyderabadDate: Sunday, April 6
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Squads
Sunrisers Hyderabad:Pat Cummins (c), Ishan Kishan (wk), Atharva Taide, Abhinav Manohar, Aniket Verma, Sachin Baby, Heinrich Klaasen, Travis Head, Harshal Patel, Kamindu Mendis, Wiaan Mulder, Abhishek Sharma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Shami, Rahul Chahar, Adam Zampa, Simarjeet Singh, Zeeshan Ansari, Jaydev Unadkat, Eshan Malinga.
Gujarat Titans:
Shubman Gill (c), Jos Buttler, B Sai Sudharsan, Shahrukh Khan, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Nishant Sindhu, Mahipal Lomror, Kumar Kushagra, Anuj Rawat, Manav Suthar, Washington Sundar, Gerald Coetzee, Mohammad Arshad Khan, Gurnoor Singh Brar, Sherfane Rutherford, R Sai Kishore, Ishant Sharma, Jayant Yadav, Glenn Phillips, Karim Janat, Kulwant Khejroliya.
Stay tuned for live updates and post-match analysis of this pivotal IPL clash.
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