Mohammad Kaif criticized Pat Cummins’ captaincy, suggesting SRH’s poor tactics and underutilization of spinners contributed to their struggles in IPL 2025.
Sunrisers Hyderabad are struggling in IPL 2025, suffering three consecutive defeats despite a strong campaign last season under Pat Cummins. Their latest setback was an 80-run loss to Kolkata Knight Riders, raising concerns about Cummins’ captaincy. His decision to underutilize spinners Zeeshan Ansari and Kamindu Mendis, who both took a wicket, has drawn criticism.
Former cricketer Mohammad Kaif pointed out SRH’s lack of clear game plans, with their batting and bowling both underperforming. The absence of a reliable spin attack and Mohammed Shami’s poor form have added to their troubles.
“The batting is not working, and so is the case with bowling. You are also losing very badly. It’s very difficult to come back from here. You will expect them to come with some plans because neither is Cummins able to bowl nor is Shami picking up wickets,” Kaif told Star Sports.
“They don’t have spinners either. (Adam) Zampa didn’t play in this match. They went with Zeeshan and he wasn’t given all his overs. Mendis was given just one over. He picked up a wicket there but wasn’t given any more overs. Cummins’ captaincy is also looking weak to me,” he added.
SRH’s Big-Hitting Formula Fails as Bowlers Adjust Strategies
Kaif also suggested that Sunrisers Hyderabad’s struggles this season could be linked to the pressure of replicating last year’s dominant batting performances, where they consistently crossed 250 runs. The high expectations seem to be affecting their approach. Meanwhile, opposition teams have adjusted their tactics, targeting SRH’s top order more effectively.
“In batting, 200 was a big target. I believe they are under pressure because of what they did last year. When you are under the spotlight that Hyderabad would score 300 or 250 this time, it’s very difficult to repeat it under that pressure. You have done it once,” he said.
“The teams were not prepared last time. Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma could score even 100 runs in six overs, and they weren’t ready for that. However, I am seeing the plans this time. They are bowling slower balls and short balls to Abhishek,” the former cricketer concluded.
