Daniel Vettori wants SRH to script RCB-like comeback this year

SRH have not lived up to their expectations this season after a strong start in their season-opener.

Daniel Vettori wants SRH to script RCB-like comeback this year

SRH head coach Daniel Vettori urged his team to take inspiration from RCB's 2024 comeback. (via Sportstar)

Sunrisers Hyderabad head coach Daniel Vettori expressed optimism in his team’s ability to still make it to the 2025 IPL play-offs, despite languishing in the 9th position on the table. He surprisingly urged his team to take inspiration from Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s 2024 comeback. 

A team that made it to the final of the 2024 IPL season has struggled to even remain in contention for the title this season. SRH have failed to replicate their magic, as they currently remain 9th in the standings. In eight matches so far, the Pat Cummins-led side has won just two and lost six of them. The team only has four points to its name, and most recently suffered a seven-wicket defeat against Mumbai Indians.

SRH did start their 2025 campaign on a high, smashing 286 runs in their opening encounters against Rajasthan Royals. However, the runs have dried up since then, with the team breaching the 200-run mark just once after their opening win. The Orange Army do have a star-studded batting lineup, with the likes of Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen and Nitish Kumar Reddy forming the core.

However, all the batters have struggled to maintain consistency, which adds to the troubles surrounding their misfiring bowling lineup. The 2016 IPL winners will now need to win all of their final six matches of the season, a monstrous task. SRH’s next challenge is against five-time IPL winners, Chennai Super Kings, who they face on 25 April at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

Despite the team’s struggles, SRH head coach Daniel Vettori expressed confidence in his side’s abilities to do the same. He noted that several IPL teams have found themselves in similar positions in the past, but have been able to resurrect their campaigns, through to a collective display of teamwork. Vettori even urged the team to take inspiration from RCB’s unbelievable 2024 IPL campaign and MI’s past campaigns.

There have been a few teams that have been able to resurrect their seasons, and you look back to RCB last year after a difficult start. So if we can take some inspiration, from a team like them.

Daniel Vettori on SRH’s chances this season (H/T India Today)

RCB’s 2024 IPL campaign example is surely one to learn from for teams placed in the bottom half of the IPL table. The team had managed to qualify for the play-offs, despite being in a precarious position, mid-way through the season. RCB had registered just one win out of their first eight encounters. However, they scripted a comeback by winning the next six matches, to make it into the top four with 14 points.

Interestingly, the Orange Army’s next opponents, CSK, are level on points with them, and will also be looking to turnaround their dismal IPL campaign this season. It will be followed by a match against table-toppers Gujarat Titans on 2 May, and Delhi Capitals on 5 May. 

Under-performers CSK and SRH gear up for intense IPL clash to stay in playoffs race

Chennai Super Kings will take on fellow under-performers Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 43rd match of the 2025 IPL season, at Chepauk. Both teams remain at the bottom of the standings with four points each, with only net run-rate separating them.

SRH vs CSK
SRH will face off against five-time IPL winners CSK next. (via News 18)

Both CSK and SRH come into the match after losing to Mumbai Indians, with MS Dhoni’s side having suffered a nine-wicket defeat, while Pat Cummins’ side suffered a seven-wicket defeat. In terms of head to head record, CSK are way ahead of the Orange Army, enjoying a win-loss tally of 15-6, which includes a 100 percent win record at the Chepauk Stadium.

Meanwhile, in terms of changes, both teams are expected to bring a few changes in the XI. For the Super Kings, Vansh Bedi, Devon Conway, Kamlesh Nagarkoti or Shreyas Gopal could get a spot. SRH on the other hand, are expected to bring Mohammed Shami back into the playing XI.