Sehwag Criticizes SRH's Collapse Following Third Straight IPL 2025 Defeat
Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag has expressed disappointment and criticism towards the Sunrisers Hyderabad following their third consecutive defeat in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Hyderabad, last year's runner-up, has struggled significantly, mirroring a pattern of collapses previously associated with the Punjab Kings.
SRH's Recent Struggles
Following a season-opening win against the Rajasthan Royals, Hyderabad has suffered two consecutive losses. Their batting lineup, typically known for its aggressive approach, was dramatically restricted to a meager 120 runs against the defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders, on Thursday. This latest defeat came during a chase of 201, where Hyderabad was ultimately bowled out for a paltry 120 in just 17 overs, resulting in an 80-run loss.
Sehwag's Analysis: A Familiar Pattern
Speaking on Cricbuzz, Sehwag drew parallels between Hyderabad’s current predicament and the historical struggles of the Punjab Kings. He noted, “Punjab used to put a spoke in their wheels, and now it seems they have given it to Hyderabad.” He highlighted Hyderabad's inconsistent performances, referencing scores of 190 and approximately 160 that resulted in losses, followed by their inability to chase down 200 against KKR.
He further elaborated that the conditions weren't particularly challenging, stating, “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.”
Concerns About Reputation
Sehwag emphasized the importance of Hyderabad maintaining their unique reputation and warned against further decline. “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,' he stated.
Cummins Acknowledges Need for Adjustment
Following the defeat, Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins acknowledged the team's struggles and suggested that his hard-hitting batters might need to reassess their approach. “Not a great night tonight. In the mid-innings break, we thought it was gettable. It was a pretty good wicket. Gave away few too many in the field and fell short (with the bat),' Cummins commented during the post-match presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the significance of Sehwag’s comparison to the Punjab Kings? The comparison highlights a recurring pattern of collapses and inconsistent performance that has historically plagued the Punjab Kings, now seemingly affecting the Sunrisers Hyderabad.
- What adjustments might the Sunrisers Hyderabad need to make? The team's captain, Pat Cummins, suggests a reassessment of the batting approach, implying a need for more tactical and measured gameplay.
- How serious is Hyderabad's situation at this point in the tournament? Three consecutive defeats put Hyderabad under considerable pressure, and they will need to quickly address their performance issues to remain competitive in the IPL 2025.