Three consecutive losses have put SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) with much to think about before the current season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) reaches its business end. The hyper-aggressive strategy adopted by last year’s runners-up has bitten them in the back, as their shoot-and-scoff batting line-up fell to 120 all out in pursuit of 201 against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Veteran India batsman Virender Sehwag was left stunned by SRH’s collapse, particularly with the surface not supporting much to the bowlers. Sehwag even drew a parallel between the current state of SRH and Punjab Kings (PBKS) of the past.
Virender Sehwag Compares SRH to PBKS of the Past
“Punjab used to put a spoke in their own wheels and now it seems they have given it to Hyderabad. They made 190 and lost, then made about 160 and lost, today they couldn’t chase down 200,” Sehwag told.
“Neither was (KKR’s) bowling attack nor the wicket (too difficult to deal with). They batted first and scored 200. We could see that the ball wasn’t turning, there wasn’t too much help in any way for the bowlers. It is just that it was a little slow, and the bowlers were bowling mostly slow balls but you get adjusted to that if you stay in the crease for some time,” he added.
SRH Losing Their Entertaining Identity Says Sehwag
Virender Sehwag also added that SRH are gradually losing the image they have established; playing fun brand of cricket.
“Hyderabad have disappointed. What can I say? They’ve got so many batters and nobody could score runs, and they get all out at 120. The paying public has come to see you. Yes, the game was in Kolkata, but Hyderabad has a reputation. That it will be entertaining to watch them. It was just disappeared here,” Sehwag explained.
From Thrashing RR to Losing Momentum
SRH, who started their season with a bang by thrashing the Rajasthan Royals, have lost their charm.
Their way of winning hinted towards a bright path ahead of them as the whole team sang in harmony. However, since humiliating the Royals, Hyderabad has lost its muse.
It began when Lucknow Super Giants knocked over their 191-run target with ease. The losing run continued after a bashing by the Delhi Capitals, topped by the Kolkata Knight Riders, pounding them to an 80-run loss.
SRH Coaching Staff Still Backing Aggressive Style
But SRH bowling coach James Franklin has supported the destructive batting units to get back to their explosive ways after two consecutive flop shows. SRH will now host an energetic Gujarat Titans (GT) team at home on Sunday, April 6.