New Delhi [India], April 7: Former India batter Ambati Rayudu believes Sunrisers Hyderabad’s struggles in the ongoing IPL 2025 season are rooted not in their batting, but in their ineffective bowling—particularly during the middle overs. Speaking on ESPNcricinfo’s TimeOut show, Rayudu emphasized that SRH’s inability to take wickets during crucial phases is hampering their chances in the league.
The Sunrisers, finalists in the previous edition, have endured a rough start in the 18th season, slipping to their fourth consecutive loss, most recently against the Gujarat Titans. Despite a brief spark from Mohammed Shami and skipper Pat Cummins, SRH failed to maintain pressure, allowing Shubman Gill to anchor a smooth chase with an unbeaten 62.
Rayudu identified SRH’s lack of intent to take wickets in the middle overs as their biggest shortcoming.
“In the middle overs, they don’t have anybody who can pick up those crucial wickets and put the opposition under pressure—like GT have with Sai Kishore, Rashid Khan and Prasidh Krishna,” Rayudu said.
“I don’t see SRH trying to take wickets. They are just being defensive. You don’t win the IPL with mediocre middle-overs bowling,” he added.
SRH’s middle-overs stats back up Rayudu’s claim—they’ve picked up only 12 wickets between overs 7 to 16, averaging 41.33 and conceding runs at 9.92 per over, ranking them among the bottom three teams in this metric.
Misfiring Top Order Adds to Woes
Though SRH’s batting unit was one of the most explosive last season, it hasn’t quite clicked in 2025. Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, who formed a devastating opening duo in 2024, have failed to replicate their form. Head has managed scores of 67 and 47, while Abhishek has mustered just 51 runs across five innings. Their highest opening stand in the past four games? Just 15 runs.
Still, Rayudu believes Abhishek doesn’t need drastic changes, only a reset in his approach.
“He just needs a shift in mindset. Get your basics right—take singles, hit boundaries along the ground, get into rhythm, and the big shots will come. SRH need to come back to the basics,” Rayudu advised.
Opposition Bowlers Adapting Smartly
Rayudu also pointed out a technical shift in how SRH’s top-order batters have approached the game—and how opponents have quickly adapted.
“All their top three like playing length balls, so they’re lifting the bat higher for those big shots. But teams are now bowling full, throwing in half-volleys that the batters still try to loft over the infield,” he said.
According to Rayudu, SRH batters must recognize these fuller deliveries, focus on timing and placement over raw power, and allow the innings to flow naturally.
“Wait for the full ball, hit the gaps. Then let the bowlers bowl to your strengths,” he concluded.
With four losses in five games, SRH will need to act quickly to turn their season around. Whether they tweak their bowling strategy or bring more discipline to their batting, the pressure is on the 2016 champions to rediscover their spark—before it’s too late.