Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) head coach Daniel Vettori has blamed the conditions in Hyderabad for their exit from the IPL 2025 season following the washout against Delhi Capitals (DC). The former New Zealand skipper added that the conditions in Hyderabad posed challenges for the SRH batters.
Sunrisers were eliminated from playoff contention after their recent match was washed out by rain on Monday, May 5. SRH had put up a strong bowling performance to restrict DC to 133/7 in 20 overs. However, the heavy rain prevented any further play, and both teams had to settle for one point each.
The Conditions Weren’t as We Expected – Daniel Vettori
Daniel Vettori said that Sunrisers Hyderabad’s batting strategy wasn’t based solely on aggression. Vettori stated that Hyderabad hosted several high-scoring matches last year, but the conditions weren’t as expected this year.
“I definitely didn’t say after every match I was backing an aggressive approach,” Vettori said. “I said we’re about assessing conditions and this year, the conditions weren’t as we expected. If you look at last year, there were a lot of high-scoring games here.
Hyderabad has witnessed a dip in high scores this IPL season, with teams managing to post 200 or more runs in only four out of 11 innings. Meanwhile, that milestone was reached seven times in just 12 innings during the previous season.
It Hasn’t Been Easy for the Batters – Daniel Vettori
Vettori said that the pitches have made it tough to execute their usual game plans. He emphasized that the players naturally tend toward aggressive play, but this season has demanded more thoughtful decision-making based on match-day conditions.
“These surfaces in particular have been a little bit different. It has been tricky, it hasn’t been easy for the batters. All we’ve talked about is assessing conditions, trying to read the game, and understand what to do in certain situations. I think the guys are innately aggressive, but certainly, this season has been about trying to establish what’s been required on the day,” Vettori added.
There Have Been Two Surfaces That Have Been 250-Plus – Daniel Vettori
Daniel Vettori said that while two of the Hyderabad pitches this season have allowed scores of over 250, the other four have favored fast bowlers.
“There have been two surfaces that have been 250-plus, and there have been four here that have been probably more conducive for the fast bowlers. Not so much the spinners but new ball has been a little bit sticky, hard to hit, not coming onto the bat. The IPL has some of the best new-ball bowlers in the world, and they were able to exploit those conditions,” Vettori opined.
SunRisers Hyderabad went into their recent match with slim hopes of making the IPL 2025 playoffs, having secured just three wins from ten games. However, their playoff dreams were dashed following a rain-affected result.
There were high expectations surrounding Pat Cummins’ squad, who were seen as strong title contenders after reaching the final last year. Now out of the playoff race, SRH still have three matches left, with their next game at home against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on May 10.
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