Are the SRH Already Out of the Playoff Race? Or Is There Still a Twist Left in This IPL Tale?

Let’s be real—in terms of supporting Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) this season, it hasn’t exactly been a thrill-a-minute ride… without the thrill! After making it to the final last year, expectations were through the roof. But now? Just two victories in seven games. Ouch. Thus far, the primary question being whispered (or shouted) in the fan community, expert panels, and WhatsApp groups is: Are SRH practically out of the playoffs already? Feels early, but are we way past ‘early’?

So, let’s explore what’s going wrong, whether there’s any hope, and what the path looks like ahead for the Orange Army.

Batting That Can’t Find Balance

SRH’s most substantial issue? Batting inconsistency. Cheteshwar Pujara, an actual expert in explaining batting inconsistency, says that inconsistency comes down to being out of balance. Either we are so defensive that we become stuck in the mud, or we are so cavalier that we fall apart like a house of cards. The similarities are not small; it’s quite a bit like a band that only plays children’s lullabies and death metal. Where is the cohesion?

This was evident in their last match, where, whilst the surface wasn’t the worst, their batting plan was. A good IPL team needs gears: a person to start, someone to anchor, and someone to finish. At the moment, they seem to only have two approaches: dormant or overdrive. If they don’t rectify their approach quickly, even the relatively “easier” matches will come to a slow demise.

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Hardik’s Captaincy Highlighted SRH’s Missed Tactics

While the Mumbai Indians made headlines for their innovative captaincy (particularly Hardik Pandya’s instinctual captaincy concerning Karan Sharma’s injury), they looked distinctly sharper than the dull, uninspired Hyderabad team.

The question here is: Why does it hurt? Hyderabad is adequately talented, but they just haven’t mastered how to play that talent to its highest potential. Mumbai read the pitch accurately and responded by utilizing their resources, while SRH were still adhering to templates of play from earlier stages of the tournament that hadn’t adjusted to either their match situation or the nature of their opposition. Some questions need to be raised here regarding leadership and adaptability. Are the bowling changes operating correctly and at the right times? Are they unduly restrained in their batting order? In a fast-moving tournament such as the IPL, you need to adapt and change on time before you get left behind.

The Points Table Says It All and the Clock’s Ticking

Let’s break down the math. Two wins out of seven equals only four points on the table. That’s what I call a tough hill to climb! Now, halfway through the season, all SRH can realistically do at this point is win at least five of their remaining seven matches to be even in the conversation for a top-four spot.

And let’s be honest, from the form of KKR, RR, and CSK, that is going to take a nearly miraculous hope!

Former India coach Sanjay Bangar wasn’t pulling any punches, he just doesn’t see SRH getting there. Neither does Pujara. And quite frankly, it is difficult to disagree with them when there has been poor planning, weak batting, and muddled tactics, it really takes a lot to win matches in a row.

Can they do it? Of course. In cricket, anything can happen. But will they? That’s the hard part.

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For fans, it is super frustrating to see that the team has the talent to get back to winning ways. But the middle-order mindset, the match plan, and capturing the moments it has needed have all to change for the playoffs to become a reality.

Think SRH still have a comeback left in them, or is it time to shift focus to next season? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

Disclaimer: This cricket blog reflects the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.

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