IPL 2025: Rayudu Critiques SRH's Defensive Bowling Approach
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In IPL 2025, Ambati Rayudu critiques Sunrisers Hyderabad's bowling strategy, suggesting that their lack of a wicket-taking mindset has hindered their performance. He emphasizes the need for a shift in approach to improve their game.
Key Takeaways
- Ambati Rayudu critiques SRH's defensive bowling.
- SRH has more bowling issues than batting problems.
- Key players like Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma are underperforming.
- A shift in mindset is essential for SRH's success.
- Rayudu advises focusing on fundamentals and exploiting gaps.
Hyderabad, April 7 (NationPress) Former India batter Ambati Rayudu expressed concerns over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), indicating that their bowling troubles outweigh their batting issues in IPL 2025. He believes that the Pat Cummins-led team lacks a wicket-taking approach, opting instead for a defensive strategy during the middle overs.
During the match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Mohammed Siraj achieved his best IPL figures of 4-17, while Prasidh Krishna contributed with two wickets, limiting SRH to 152/8 in their 20 overs.
In response, captain Shubman Gill scored an unbeaten 61, complemented by Washington Sundar's impressive 49 and Sherfane Rutherford's quick 35 not out, leading GT to a comprehensive victory with 20 balls remaining.
Rayudu stated, "I believe their bowling is more problematic than their batting. They lack players capable of taking vital wickets during the middle overs, unlike GT, who have effectively utilized Sai Kishore, Rashid Khan, and Prasidh Krishna to apply pressure on the opposition.
"I don’t perceive SRH as proactive in seeking wickets. Instead, they seem focused on limiting runs and preventing boundaries. Achieving success in the IPL requires strong middle-over bowling; it's essential to have bowlers who can take wickets," Rayudu remarked in an interview with ESPNCricinfo.
One significant factor for SRH's struggles has been the inconsistency of their top order. While Travis Head has managed two innings above 40 runs, his opening partner Abhishek Sharma is in dire form, amassing only 51 runs in five outings.
Rayudu, who has secured IPL titles with Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), believes that Abhishek requires a mental reset to regain his scoring ability. "He needs to adjust his mindset. Focus on hitting ground-boundaries, targeting mid-off or mid-on; accumulate singles to get into the rhythm of scoring," he suggested.
"Once he settles in, the big shots will naturally follow since he has trained for them. Just spend some time honing the fundamentals. SRH must return to basics. Their top three batsmen typically favor good length, and they aim to clear the infield with sixes, which they have been practicing recently," he added.
Rayudu also observed that Abhishek has altered his backlift, prompting bowlers to respond with fuller deliveries. He advised him to focus on exploiting gaps. "The change in backlift is evident. Abhishek's has altered, similar to what Ishan Kishan does. They are lifting their bats higher to facilitate big shots.
"Consequently, bowlers are pitching it fuller. However, these players are still attempting to clear the infield. They should adopt a more strategic approach and aim for gaps, as the deliveries they face are often half-volleys.
"A slight shift in their mindset is crucial, implying, 'If it's a full delivery, we should be patient.' Ultimately, they need to wait for full balls, hit the gaps, and once they adjust, they can attack the bowlers effectively. It's about finding a balance between patience and aggression," he concluded.
