IPL: Top 5 Run-Margin Defeats for SRH
Ujjal Lohar | Apr 08, 2025, 14:01 IST
Sunrisers Hyderabad, despite their 2016 IPL glory, have faced some crushing defeats over the years. This piece highlights their five biggest losses by run margin, including their record 80-run defeat to KKR in IPL 2025. These matches expose recurring issues—fragile top-order batting, ineffective death bowling, and pressure-handling lapses—particularly while chasing big totals. From Glenn Maxwell’s carnage in 2014 to Gaikwad’s masterclass in 2024, each defeat reflects critical gaps SRH must address to reclaim their former dominance.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), a team known for their resilience and IPL 2016 triumph, have also endured some of the league’s most lopsided losses. This analysis revisits their five heaviest defeats, each revealing recurring flaws in chasing mammoth totals and containing explosive batters.
The IPL 2025 season loss to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) underscores their vulnerability in high-pressure games. The recent defeat highlight critical gaps in the Sunrisers’ strategy – from fragile top-order batting to erratic death bowling, offering lessons for future campaigns.
In their IPL 2023 opener, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) were dismantled by Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. RR posted 203/5, powered by fifties from Yashasvi Jaiswal (54), Jos Buttler (54) and Sanju Samson (55). SRH’s chase collapsed to 131/8 as Yuzvendra Chahal (4/17) and Trent Boult (2/21) ran riot. Buttler’s 22-ball 54, featuring seven fours and three sixes, earned him Player of the Match award.
Glenn Maxwell’s blistering 95 off 43 balls (5 fours, 9 sixes) propelled Punjab Kings to 193/5 in IPL 2014. SRH crumbled to 121 all out in 19.2 overs, with Lakshmipathy Balaji claiming 4/13. Apart from KL Rahul (27), no SRH batter crossed 20, exposing their frailties against disciplined bowling.
3) 77-run loss vs Chennai Super Kings (Hyderabad, 2013)
Suresh Raina’s unbeaten 99 off 52 balls (11 fours, 3 sixes) and Michael Hussey’s 67 off 42 guided CSK to 223/3. SRH managed only 146/8, with Parthiv Patel’s 44 the lone resistance. Ishant Sharma’s 0/66 remains the worst IPL bowling figures, as CSK’s dominance secured their playoffs berth.
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s 98 off 54 (10 fours, 3 sixes) and Daryl Mitchell’s 52 powered CSK to 212/3. Tushar Deshpande (4/27) dismantled SRH’s top order, dismissing Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma early. SRH folded for 134, highlighting their recurring chasing woes.
In their heaviest defeat, SRH succumbed to KKR by 80 runs at the Eden Gardens. Kolkata. KKR’s batters unleashed a total of 200/6, while SRH’s lineup got all-out for 120 in 16.4 overs. This loss underscores SRH’s struggles with high-pressure chases, marking a new low in their IPL journey.
These heavy defeats serve as a stark reminder that consistency and adaptability are key in the IPL. While Sunrisers Hyderabad have shown flashes of brilliance over the years, their inability to handle pressure in high-stakes games continues to haunt them. Strengthening their top order, refining death-over strategies, and building a more balanced squad could be crucial steps toward regaining their competitive edge in future seasons.
David warner (Image credit- The bridge)