Pat Cummins Reflects on SRH’s Loss to LSG in IPL 2025: “We Fell Short of a 200+ Total”
Despite a high-scoring encounter in Match 7 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) fell short as they lost by five wickets to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. Captain Pat Cummins remained composed after the defeat, acknowledging that SRH’s total of 190/9, although respectable, was not enough on a batting-friendly pitch.
“We wanted to get above 200. A little short, but they batted very well,” Cummins said after the match. “The other day was the world’s best wicket; today’s was probably the second best. A few things didn’t go our way, but we did pretty well to get to 190.”
SRH had begun their innings with great intent, as openers Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma set the tone with an aggressive partnership. They amassed a staggering run rate of 13.5—breaking records for a pair with at least 500 runs together in IPL history. Head’s explosive 47 off 28 balls suggested another stellar batting display, but the debutant Prince Yadav soon knocked over his stumps, marking his first IPL wicket.
However, SRH’s middle order faltered shortly thereafter. Shardul Thakur, who finished the match with figures of 4/34, played a pivotal role in dismantling the SRH batting lineup. He removed both Abhishek and Ishan Kishan in quick succession, with Kishan—who had scored a century in the previous match—being sent back for a golden duck.
Despite strong contributions from Nitish Reddy (32) and Aniket Verma (36 off 13), SRH couldn’t reach the 200-run mark. Cummins briefly revived hopes with three consecutive sixes, but his dismissal in the same over left the team struggling. The final two overs added just ten runs, leaving SRH with a total of 190/9.
“We have batting till number 8, so we are not telling someone to bat 50-60 balls, just go out and make an impact,” Cummins added, emphasizing SRH’s aggressive approach.
LSG’s chase got off to a shaky start when Aiden Markram fell to Mohammed Shami early on. But Nicholas Pooran quickly seized control of the match, playing a scintillating knock of 70 off 26 balls. Pooran’s breathtaking 18-ball fifty—fastest of the season—set the stage for LSG’s recovery, with his brutal hitting on Abhishek Sharma in particular proving too much for SRH to handle.
Mitchell Marsh, playing as LSG’s Impact Player, supported Pooran by scoring a well-paced 50 off 29 balls. The 116-run partnership between the two turned the game in LSG’s favor, setting them up for victory.
Although Cummins dismissed both set batters—Pooran and Marsh—LSG only required 53 runs from 54 balls, and they comfortably finished the chase in 16.3 overs. A diving catch by Harshal Patel sent Ayush Badoni packing, but David Miller and Abdul Samad sealed the victory, with Samad’s quick-fire 22 off 8 balls finishing the job.
For SRH, the loss meant more questions than answers. “We’ll review it, see what we could have done better. It’s a long competition, and you ride the last game’s high and this game’s low. We’ll come back stronger,” said Cummins, looking ahead to their next challenge.
LSG’s dominant win marked their first points of IPL 2025, while SRH now face the task of regrouping as they continue their campaign.
