Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) breathed new life into their IPL 2025 campaign with a crucial five-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on April 25, 2025. This win not only ended SRH's two-match losing streak but also kept their playoff hopes alive, albeit by a thread. Currently sitting in eighth place on the points table with just six points from nine matches, the team is fully aware that every match from here on out is a do-or-die situation.
After the match, SRH all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy expressed his optimism, drawing inspiration from the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) remarkable turnaround in the previous season. "Last year, the same situation RCB came up and won seven in a row. Why not us this year? It is putting in 100 percent effort, and the rest we will see," he said. This sentiment reflects the urgency and determination within the SRH camp as they look to replicate RCB's stunning comeback.
In the match against CSK, SRH was tasked with chasing a target of 155 runs. The innings started shakily, with SRH finding themselves in a precarious position at 54 for 3 in the ninth over. However, Ishan Kishan and Kamindu Mendis steadied the ship, forming a crucial partnership that laid the groundwork for the chase. Kishan scored a brisk 44 runs off 34 balls, while Mendis contributed an unbeaten 32 off 22 balls. Their partnership was vital, but it was the late collaboration between Mendis and Reddy that sealed the deal, with the pair putting together a match-winning stand of 49 runs.
Reflecting on their approach, Nitish noted, "We decided appropriately on both our parts not to go for big shots all the time but to play a steady game." This tactical shift was a clear departure from SRH's usual ultra-aggressive batting style, showcasing their ability to adapt to challenging conditions.
Despite the positive result, SRH's season has been fraught with challenges. Their net run rate (NRR) stands at a concerning -1.103, and they realize that to have any hope of qualifying for the playoffs, they must win all their remaining matches and do so convincingly. The next challenge awaits them against the Gujarat Titans on May 2, 2025, a match that will be pivotal in determining their fate.
On the other hand, CSK's struggles continue as they suffered their fourth consecutive defeat, further deepening their woes. With only four points from nine matches, CSK now finds themselves at the bottom of the table and on the brink of elimination from playoff contention. This season marks a stark contrast to their historical successes, as they have matched records for the most home losses in a single season, previously set in 2008 and 2012.
In the aftermath of the match, CSK's performance was scrutinized. Batting first, they could only muster 154 runs, with Dewald Brevis being the standout performer, scoring 42 runs off 25 balls. The team’s bowling unit, led by Harshal Patel, who took 4 wickets for 28 runs, struggled to contain the SRH batsmen, ultimately leading to their downfall.
The loss against SRH has left CSK fans and analysts alike questioning the team's ability to turn their season around. With the playoffs now out of reach unless a miracle occurs, the focus shifts to their upcoming matches and what changes might be necessary to rebuild for future seasons.
As for SRH, the victory against CSK has sparked a glimmer of hope. The players are energized and looking to build on this momentum. Nitish's words resonate through the squad: "It is very important for us; it is a do-or-die for us." The team understands that they must channel this victory into their next games, starting with the Titans.
In conclusion, the IPL 2025 season continues to be a rollercoaster for both Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai Super Kings. For SRH, the fight for survival is real, and they are determined to make every match count. With the playoffs still within reach, the next few games will be crucial in determining whether they can follow in RCB's footsteps and pull off a remarkable turnaround.
