Though not for the right motives, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) has been one of the most discussed teams in IPL 2025. Their performance this year has been unimpressive following a great season the previous year as they made it to the finals.
Having lost six times in eight games, their aggressive batting style has not produced regularly. On platforms like the Billy777, fans have been actively debating the team’s strategy. Heinrich Klaasen has been the only bright spot in their otherwise poor lineup; his performances beg a significant issue: should he be batting higher in the order?
Klaasen: Lone consistent performer for SRH
Standing out in a lineup that has faltered for consistency, Heinrich Klaasen has been SRH’s most dependable hitter this season. Klaasen has been a consistent middle-order presence, while the top order—which consists of Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, and Ishan Kishan—has not fired.
SRH got in hot in their most recent game against Mumbai Indians (MI), 13 for 3 in the fourth over. Their score by the ninth over was 35 for five. Walking in at number five, Klaasen formed a vital 99-run partnership with Abhinav Manohar by playing a fighting knock of 71 off 44 balls. Still, his efforts were insufficient to stop another loss.
Klaasen’s innings once more underlined his value to the club despite the setback. Currently ranking No. 11 on the Orange Cap list with 281 runs at an average of 40.14 and a strike rate of 159.65, he amazingly has not failed once this season; his lowest score is 21 not out. He is SRH’s most valued batter because of his adaptability and under-pressure performance.
Experts Call for the Promotion of Klaasen.
Former players and cricket experts have called into doubt SRH’s choice to retain Klaasen in the bottom middle order. Speaking on ESPNcricinfo’s Time Out program, Nick Knight claimed that Klaasen is not being used to his full potential.
“He simply needs more frequent chances to do it. On that side, he is definitely batting way too low. Get him out there six overs [or] a tick over, Knight said.
Another panellist, Varun Aaron, gave Klaasen’s under-pressure calm and skill great marks. “Just how still he is [at the crease], he just doesn’t offer the bowler anything prior to the bowler may bowl. Still, hands through the ball, and it nearly seems as like he isn’t aiming to overhit anything.”
Given his present form, Klaasen has a solid case for being promoted to No. 3 or No. 4 so he can spend more time at the crease. SRH’s top order is regularly falling. Thus, his ability to steady the innings and quicken later could be the difference between their season’s turnaround and collapse.
Aggressive Approach of SRH: A Double-Edged Sword
SRH’s very aggressive batting approach paid off last season, guiding them to the championship game. Their high-risk strategy has, however, failed more often than usual this year. Although head coach Daniel Vettori acknowledged that the batters have found it difficult to adjust to various environments, he vowed the club would not give up their aggressive attitude.
Referring to SRH’s early collapse versus MI, Knight remarked, “It was game over [by then].” “It’s difficult to do [assess the par score and play accordingly] when you’re 24 for 4 after the powerplay,” Vettori said in the post-match press conference.
Varun Aaron pointed out that SRH’s present difficulties shouldn’t cause their approach to be totally changed. “They cannot second-guess themselves now,” he declared. “When we discuss Bazball—that is, the cricket SRH is playing—it yields outcomes last year. Having been ninth and tenth in the past two years, they returned last year to compete in the finals.”
Aaron did concede, though, that it would always be challenging to replicate the success of last season. ” Many of the lads had their best IPLs last year. Coming back from your greatest IPL and trying to match that can never be simple.”
The Road Ahead for SRH
With just a few games remaining in the league, SRH’s postseason dreams are fraying. Although their aggressive attitude offers advantages, they have to strike a balance between attack and stability. Encouragement of Klaasen might be a positive move in the correct direction; his aptitude to play both aggressor and anchor qualifies him for a higher batting position.
Furthermore, SRH’s think tank could have to rethink depending so much on the powerplay-heavy approach. Although Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma are dynamic openers, their inconsistency has cost the club. Maybe a small tactical change—having one anchor batter in the top three—could give the solidity they so sorely need.
In general, time for a change?
Among otherwise poor seasons, Heinrich Klaasen has been SRH’s best performance. He is the ideal choice to bat higher in the order because of his consistency and pressure-handling capacity. Although the team’s aggressive approach has succeeded in the past, in T20 cricket, flexibility is absolutely crucial.