SRH Coach Disagrees with Skipper Pat Cummins’ Take on 80-Run Loss to KKR

SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) bowling coach James Franklin did not hold back in his assessment of the team’s performance, stating that the bowlers struggled in the death overs against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). SRH suffered a crushing 80-run defeat in their IPL 2025 clash at Eden Gardens on Thursday. Franklin pointed out that SRH failed to execute their bowling plans in the latter half of KKR’s innings. His remarks directly contradicted captain Pat Cummins’ statement, in which he expressed disappointment over the missed opportunity and maintained that the target was achievable.

Diverging Opinions on SRH’s Performance

Franklin emphasized that SRH’s bowling unit did not live up to expectations, especially in the final overs when they conceded too many runs. “We lost control towards the end. Our bowlers couldn’t execute their plans effectively, which allowed KKR to post a huge total,” he explained. On the other hand, Cummins insisted that despite the setback, SRH had a real chance to chase down the total but failed to capitalize on key moments.

“We needed better execution, but credit to KKR for putting us under pressure. The chase was within reach, but we lost crucial wickets at the wrong time,” Cummins said after the match.

SRH’s Struggles in the Death Overs

SRH began well with the ball but lost their grip in the later stages. KKR’s middle order, led by explosive knocks from their batters, accelerated in the final overs, taking the game away from Hyderabad. Franklin acknowledged that the bowlers failed to adapt and conceded too many boundaries in crucial moments.

Batting Collapse Adds to Woes

While bowling lapses hurt SRH, their batting collapse compounded the misery. The top order crumbled under KKR’s disciplined bowling attack, making the chase nearly impossible. “If we had built partnerships, things could have been different,” said Franklin. However, he acknowledged that the early loss of key wickets made it difficult for SRH to recover.

Moving Forward: What’s Next for SRH?

Despite the setback, SRH remains focused on bouncing back. “We have to learn from this defeat and improve in the upcoming games. It’s a long tournament, and we have the talent to turn things around,” Franklin asserted.

Meanwhile, Cummins urged his team to stay positive and look forward to the next game. “It’s time to regroup, learn from our mistakes, and return stronger. There’s no time to dwell on this loss,” he concluded.

Final Thoughts

While Cummins and Franklin offered different perspectives on SRH’s defeat, one thing remains clear—the team must address its weaknesses quickly. Whether it’s refining bowling strategies or strengthening the batting order, SRH needs to step up if they want to remain contenders in IPL 2025.

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