IPL 2025: SRH's Bowling Coach Reflects on KKR Defeat

Synopsis

In a post-match discussion, SRH's bowling coach, James Franklin, shared insights into their significant loss against KKR, highlighting missed opportunities and the need for better execution in future matches. He remains optimistic about the team's potential to bounce back in their upcoming game.

Key Takeaways

SRH bowlers failed to capitalize on initial decisions.
Kolkata Knight Riders scored 78 runs in the last overs.
SRH's defeat marked the largest margin in IPL history.
Franklin emphasized the need for improved execution.
Confidence remains in the batting lineup for the next match.

Kolkata, April 4 (NationPress) The bowling coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad, James Franklin, expressed that their bowlers did not make the most of their decision to bowl first against Kolkata Knight Riders. They let slip 78 runs in the final five overs at Eden Gardens on Thursday.

During the match, Venkatesh Iyer scored an impressive 60 runs off 29 balls, hitting seven fours and three sixes. Meanwhile, Angkrish Raghuvanshi contributed 50 runs off 32 balls, including five fours and two sixes, and Rinku Singh added a quickfire 32 not out from 17 balls, leading KKR to a total of 200/6 in their 20 overs.

In response, SRH struggled against the KKR bowlers, with Vaibhav Arora and Varun Chakaravarthy each taking three wickets, resulting in the visitors being bowled out for just 120 in 16.4 overs—marking an 80-run defeat, the largest margin in SRH's IPL history.

Franklin commented, "It’s a mix of assessment and execution. The 65 runs conceded in the last four overs showed that we didn’t execute our plans well. KKR was at 84 or 85 for two at the halfway mark. If we had managed the last ten overs better, we might have restricted them to 170-180. Unfortunately, we didn’t execute as needed."

He further reflected, "As a coach, I often think about whether we could have improved our approach or been bolder. These are discussions we will have in the coming days before our next match on Sunday. It’s crucial to reflect, especially with the players on the field, so we can enhance our performance, particularly in the death overs."

Despite the disappointing batting display, Franklin expressed confidence in the top order's ability to bounce back in their upcoming match against the Gujarat Titans on Sunday.

"We unfortunately lost three wickets in the first three overs during the power play, which reflects the aggressive nature of our top-order players. They have received praise for their style over the past year, and it’s just unfortunate that it hasn’t worked in the last couple of games," he explained.

"However, we believe in our top order and are confident they will perform well in the next game against Gujarat on Sunday. It’s just one of those days where our plans did not materialize. There’s some frustration, but we are still early in the IPL, and we have a wealth of talented players who can make a comeback," he concluded.