Hyderabad, May 6, 2025 — Following their premature exit from IPL 2025, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) head coach Daniel Vettori addressed the media, offering insights into the team’s strategies, batting philosophy, and the challenges posed by pitch conditions this season. The abandoned match against Delhi Capitals on Monday, due to persistent rain, officially knocked SRH out of playoff contention, leaving the team and its supporters disappointed.

Vettori, however, remained composed and analytical in his assessment, stating that aggression was never SRH’s default strategyand the team had consistently adapted its game plan based on match situations and pitch behavior.

“Aggression Not Always Our Default” Vettori Clarifies SRH’s Tactical Stance

Dispelling the notion that SRH had stuck to an all-out aggressive batting template throughout the tournament, Vettori stressed that adaptability was the team’s core principle.

His comments reflect a strategic recalibrationespecially considering how the pitch conditions at Hyderabad turned out to be favorable for fast bowlers—a significant deviation from previous seasons.

Hyderabad Pitch Analysis: Favoring Fast Bowlers in 2025

Vettori provided statistics to back his argument, noting a sharp drop in high-scoring innings this season. Out of six matches hosted at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadiumonly four innings crossed the 200-run markcompared to seven out of 12 innings last year.

These conditions, Vettori explained, forced the team to rethink their batting approach and shift from aggressive starts to more measured innings depending on match dynamics.

Rain Halts SRH’s Revival Hopes, Leaves Coach Disappointed

The match against Delhi Capitalswhich saw SRH restrict the opposition to 133/7was shaping up to be a turning point in their campaign. However, heavy rain washed out the second inningsresulting in abandonment and a shared point—insufficient for SRH to stay in playoff contention.

Pat Cummins Replaces Shami With New Ball A Tactical Masterstroke

In a bold selection decision, Mohammed Shami was left out of the playing XI, and captain Pat Cummins took charge with the new ball. The move paid off handsomely, with Cummins dismantling Delhi’s top order during the powerplay, claiming 3 wickets for just 19 runs.

Vettori acknowledged that it had been a tough season for Shamiwho has struggled to find rhythm and consistency. However, he praised Shami’s dedication and professionalism, stating that the decision was purely based on conditions and team balance.

SRH’s IPL 2025 Record and Final Phase Outlook

With only 3 wins from 10 matchesSRH are out of the playoff racebut the team will still have three league matches remaining. Vettori confirmed that the focus now shifts to ending the season on a highaiming to restore pride and give opportunities to younger players in the squad.

Key Takeaways from SRH’s 2025 IPL Campaign (So Far):

• Matches Played: 10

• Wins: 3

• Points: 7 (as of May 6)

• Eliminated from Playoffs due to insufficient points and weather-affected matches

• Pitch Conditions: More conducive to fast bowling compared to previous years

• Batting Strategy: Adaptive rather than aggressively rigid

• Top Performers: Pat Cummins emerging as a key impact player late in the season

Conclusion: A Season of Learning and Tactical Evolution

While Sunrisers Hyderabad’s early exit from the IPL 2025 playoffs may disappoint fans, Daniel Vettori’s clear-eyed analysis offers a transparent view into the team’s tactical evolution. From pitch analysis to smart bowling choices, SRH attempted to balance strategy with adaptabilityeven if results didn’t fall in their favor.

As they gear up for their remaining matches, the focus shifts from qualification to momentum-building and player developmentwith an eye on stronger performances in the next season.