Indian Premier League (IPL) team Sunrisers Hyderabad’s 12-year existence can largely be divided into two eras – the first, anchored by David Warner and Kane Williamson, was characterised by bowling efficiency, while the ongoing second, helmed by Pat Cummins, is defined by an aggressive, batting-heavy approach.
Interestingly, Sunrisers have thrived despite these starkly different philosophies, emerging as one of the IPL’s most consistent teams. Their evolution is not just the story of a franchise but also a reflection of how the IPL and T20 cricket have evolved.
Warner-Williamson era: A bowling powerhouse
From its inception in 2013, Sunrisers Hyderabad maintained a reputation as a formidable bowling unit. However, it was under Warner’s captaincy, beginning in 2015, that SRH’s bowling prowess reached new heights. Between 2015 and the end of the 2021 season, SRH boasted one of the best economy rates in the IPL, second only to the short-lived Rising Pune Supergiant.
During these seven years, SRH recorded the best economy rate in a season three times and ranked second or third on two other occasions. While Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Rashid Khan led the charge, the team also relied on lesser-heralded bowlers like Sandeep Sharma, Siddarth Kaul, and Khaleel Ahmed to maintain its dominance.
Fielding complemented SRH’s bowling strength, with Warner himself setting high standards. According to Cricviz’s fielding impact metrics, SRH saved 2,028 runs in the field during this period, second only to Mumbai Indians (2,455). Their defensive skills peaked in 2018 when they successfully defended two low totals within 48 hours under Williamson’s leadership, stepping in for the suspended Warner.
On April 24, SRH defended 119 against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede, bowling it out for 87 in a 31-run victory. Just two days later, it repeated the feat at home, dismissing Kings XI Punjab for 119 after setting a modest target of 132. Between 2015 and 2022, SRH failed to reach the playoffs just twice, making two finals and lifting its maiden title in 2016.
The shift: From defence to aggression
SRH’s bowling-centric strategy began to unravel as Warner’s form dipped and Rashid Khan departed for Gujarat Titans in 2022. Without their bowling linchpins, the team struggled, finishing near the bottom in the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
A transformation was inevitable, and with the arrival of Cummins as captain in 2024, SRH underwent a radical shift. The team adopted an ultra-aggressive batting philosophy, discarding its past conservatism. The results were immediate – in IPL 2024, SRH scored at a blistering run rate of 10.04, breaking the record for the highest IPL total twice in the season.
Gone was the steady accumulation followed by a death-over assault. Instead, SRH hit top gear from the outset. Travis Head’s inclusion alongside Abhishek Sharma made for a devastating opening pair, smashing PowerPlay runs at 10.52 per over – an all-time IPL record – with the lowest dot-ball percentage (38.4%). The emergence of all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy alongside Heinrich Klaasen further strengthened the middle order, while the Impact Player rule allowed for sustained aggression. By the end of the season, SRH had racked up six 200-plus totals.
Challenge of sustainability
The high-risk, high-reward strategy proved highly effective throughout IPL 2024 – until the final, where SRH suffered a dramatic collapse against Kolkata Knight Riders, falling short in its quest for the title.
The start of IPL 2025 has raised fresh concerns. After a spectacular 286-run opening salvo against Rajasthan Royals, SRH has lost four consecutive matches, with its batting faltering on each occasion. However, Cummins remains steadfast in his commitment to an all-out attacking approach.
“A few teams, when they go to a new venue, they think, ‘let’s play it safe and get 160-170.’ That’s not our team. We got 280 vs RR; that’s the kind of team we want to be,” Cummins told his players after a defeat to Delhi Capitals.
Whether the numbers will eventually balance in SRH’s favour or their approach proves unsustainable remains to be seen. What is certain is that Sunrisers Hyderabad continues to push the boundaries of T20 batting, embracing a fearless ideology that could redefine their legacy — for better or worse.
(All stats up to date as of April 8)
