(Source News18)
In the 2024 IPL, SRH, known for their batting prowess, showcased remarkable bowling skills to triumph over RR in Qualifier 2 of the Indian Premier League. Amidst a season highlighted by batting miracles, SRH’s bowlers stepped up when it mattered most, securing a crucial victory for the team.
SRH advanced to the Indian Premier League final after defeating RR in Qualifier 2 on Friday, May 24th. This victory marked a departure from their usual batting-centric wins, as SRH faced difficulties in setting a competitive total. However, they showcased resilience in their bowling performance, defending a modest score of 176 by restricting RR to 139 runs. Stellar contributions from Abhishek Sharma and Shahbaz Ahmed played pivotal roles in securing the win for SRH.
Both players were enlisted primarily for their batting prowess, with their occasional bowling capabilities considered secondary. However, their proficiency in left-arm orthodox spin unexpectedly emerged as the decisive factor for the team led by Pat Cummins on a challenging pitch at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
In the 2024 IPL, SRH’s winning formula centered around their adaptability and resilience. They embraced versatility, excelling not only with the bat but also showcasing their strength in bowling when required. This flexibility, combined with a determined attitude, propelled them to success throughout the tournament.
During the initial phase of the tournament, SRH’s strategy revolved around aggressive batting. They adopted a fearless approach, prioritizing big hits regardless of whether they batted first or second. Their focus on attacking cricket resulted in the highest run tally of the tournament, a staggering 2939 runs, along with the most sixes hit, totaling 175.
Of their impressive total of 2939 runs, a significant 1033 runs were amassed within the first six overs of each game. Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head, as the opening pair, have been instrumental in this dominance with the bat, while the rest of the team has provided valuable support, contributing to their formidable performance.
SRH made a strong statement right from their opening match, nearly chasing down 209 runs at the Eden Gardens. Despite falling short, they remained undaunted. Their huge score of 277 against MI at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium wasn’t enough to satisfy them, so they went on to post 287 runs away from home against Bengaluru. This exemplifies the team’s formidable strength.
Even in the face of a couple of defeats midway through the season, SRH head coach Daniel Vettori maintained a positive outlook, emphasizing that losses were insignificant as long as they continued to instill fear in their opponents throughout the tournament.
A hurdle arose for SRH in the playoffs.
As the tournament progressed and the pitches wore down, SRH faced a significant challenge in the playoffs. Their aggressive batting approach, which had served them well earlier, faltered in Qualifier 1 against KKR. SRH struggled, managing only 159 runs in Ahmedabad, and their bowling failed to contain KKR, who comfortably chased down the target in under 14 overs.
In the subsequent match, SRH faced similar batting woes as their top order faltered once again. However, this time, they showed some resilience, posting a total of 175/9 in 20 overs.
But then, a turning point emerged.
Throughout IPL 2024, Pat Cummins had been pivotal in stifling opposition batsmen during the middle overs with his adeptness at hitting the deck. However, with a low score to defend, Cummins had to alter his strategy, introducing himself into the powerplay. This decision paid off as the captain made a crucial breakthrough, dismissing the dangerous Tom Kohler-Cadmore, who posed a significant threat to SRH’s chances.
Following the match, SRH coach Simon Helmot highlighted the captain’s astute observation regarding the pitch conditions, prompting him to opt for the strategy of deploying two part-time bowlers during the middle overs. Taking advantage of Rajasthan’s error in favoring right-handed batsmen, SRH’s left-arm orthodox spinners systematically dismantled their lineup.
On Friday, Abhishek and Shahbaz delivered an exceptional performance, conceding just 47 runs and claiming 5 crucial wickets. This starkly contrasted with the combined figures of 0/77 from the seasoned IPL veterans Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal.
In a crucial moment, SRH’s spin bowling unit, often considered their weakest link, rose to the occasion, echoing the resilience displayed by their Australian captain throughout the 2023 season in ICC tournaments. Amidst a season marked by remarkable batting feats from the Hyderabad team, it was the bowlers who stepped up, propelling SRH into the final of the Indian Premier League.
