Sunrisers Hyderabad are struggling this season, winning just two of their seven matches despite being the 2024 IPL finalists. Sitting at ninth place on the points table, they face an uphill battle in their pursuit of the trophy. With only two victories and a net run rate (NRR) below -1, their qualification chances look increasingly difficult, even if they start securing wins.
What’s Gone Wrong for SRH in 2025?
SRH’s foreign recruits have struggled to perform consistently in the top order, with Travis Head shining in one match but falling cheaply in the next. Their death bowling has been chaotic, failing to contain runs in crucial moments. Adding to their woes, injuries and fluctuating individual form have disrupted the squad’s balance, making team selection a persistent challenge.
SRH’s IPL 2025 Playoffs Qualification Scenarios
Scenario 1: Win All Remaining Games: If SRH win all seven remaining matches, they’ll finish on 18 points. That’s more than enough to ensure qualification, possibly in the top 2. wins in a row against teams like CSK, GT, and RCB, mostly away from home. It’s not impossible, but it would take a near-miracle.
Scenario 2: Win 6 out of 7 Matches: Winning six out of their remaining seven matches would take SRH to the crucial 16-point mark, historically a safe number for playoff qualification. This target is realistic but challenging, requiring SRH to secure victories in all home games while also pulling off at least two upset wins away. However, even with 16 points, a poor Net Run Rate (NRR) could still threaten their qualification chances if the mid-table race becomes too competitive.
Scenario 3: If SRH reach 14 points, their playoff chances become uncertain, as they will rely on other teams’ results to progress. A poor Net Run Rate (NRR) could further complicate their position, forcing them to secure big-margin wins to stay competitive. Winning only four out of seven matches would leave them at 12 points, making qualification nearly impossible unless a dramatic shift reshapes the points table.
Scenario 4: If SRH lose more than three of their remaining matches, their playoff hopes will be completely shattered, leaving them with 10 points or fewer—far from the qualification zone. With their chances gone, the focus will shift to playing for pride and potentially disrupting other teams’ playoff aspirations.
The Road Ahead — Remaining Fixtures
Apr 23: SRH vs Mumbai Indians (Hyderabad)
Apr 25: SRH vs Chennai Super Kings (Chennai)
May 2: SRH vs Gujarat Titans (Ahmedabad)
May 5: SRH vs Delhi Capitals (Hyderabad)
May 10: SRH vs Kolkata Knight Riders (Hyderabad)
May 13: SRH vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Bengaluru)
May 18: SRH vs Lucknow Super Giants (Lucknow)
With four away matches and only three home games, the odds are stacked.
SRH’s negative net run rate puts them in a tough spot, making big-margin victories essential even if they start winning games. To improve their NRR, they must bowl out opponents swiftly and chase down small targets aggressively, ensuring they capitalize on every opportunity to narrow the gap.
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