“Hyderabad Conditions Caught Us Off Guard”: SRH Coach Daniel Vettori Reflects on IPL 2025 Exit

In a season that began with high hopes and aggressive gameplay, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) found themselves ousted from the IPL 2025 playoffs race. Head coach Daniel Vettori candidly addressed the team’s challenges, pointing to unexpected pitch conditions at their home ground in Hyderabad as a significant factor in their underwhelming performance.

Unexpected Home Turf Challenges

Vettori expressed surprise over the nature of the pitches at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium. “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 the new ball has been a little bit sticky, hard to hit, not coming onto the bat,” he noted. This deviation from the anticipated batting-friendly conditions disrupted SRH’s game plan, which heavily relied on high-scoring innings.

Inconsistency Plagues the Team

Beyond the pitch conditions, Vettori acknowledged the team’s inconsistency as a critical issue. “We just weren’t consistent enough,” he admitted. Despite a promising start to the season, SRH struggled to maintain momentum, leading to a series of losses that ultimately cost them a spot in the playoffs.

Impact of Washed-Out Matches

SRH’s final match against Delhi Capitals was abandoned due to rain, sealing their fate in the tournament. The team had managed to restrict Delhi to a modest total, and a victory could have kept their playoff hopes alive. However, the washout dashed any remaining chances, leaving players and fans alike disappointed.

Looking Ahead

Despite the setbacks, Vettori remains optimistic about the team’s future. He emphasized the importance of adapting to varying conditions and enhancing consistency. “We need to assess conditions better and respect how well other teams are bowling,” he stated. The focus now shifts to rebuilding and strategizing for the next season, with lessons learned from the challenges faced in IPL 2025.

Sunrisers Hyderabad’s journey in IPL 2025 serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of cricket. While unforeseen pitch conditions and inconsistency played a role in their early exit, the experience offers valuable insights for future campaigns. Under Vettori’s guidance, SRH aims to bounce back stronger, with a renewed focus on adaptability and resilience.