Vettori acknowledges SRH resilience despite missing IPL top-two spot
Head coach Daniel Vettori praises the squad’s recovery from a shaky start, while highlighting tactical considerations for the knockout stage.
Sunrisers Hyderabad have secured third place in the IPL 2026 league standings following a commanding 55-run victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Friday, 23 May 2026. The result sets up an Eliminator clash for the franchise, who finished with nine wins but missed a top-two finish due to net run rate.
Head coach Daniel Vettori expressed satisfaction with the team’s campaign, noting that securing nine victories in a competitive tournament is a significant achievement. Despite the disappointment of missing the upper bracket, Vettori emphasised the squad’s ability to bounce back after losing three of their first four matches at the start of the season.
Vettori highlighted the contributions of the top-order batting unit, specifically crediting the "triumvirate" of Ishan Kishan, Pat Cummins, and Shakib Al Hasan for their impact in the latter half of the season. He described the team’s performance as "magnificent" and noted that the bowling attack successfully complemented the batting lineup, allowing the side to win eight of their next 12 games after the initial losses.
However, Vettori remained cautious about the team’s prospects in the knockout stage, pointing out that the middle order has been "relatively untested" during the league phase. He stated that this remains a key area of focus in the build-up to the Eliminator, acknowledging that while the top four has been brilliant, the unproven nature of the middle order presents a challenge.
Managing the fifth and sixth bowling options was identified as another tactical balancing act for the coaching staff. Vettori explained that the decision to select Harshal Patel for the recent match was driven by the nature of the surface, but he acknowledged the availability of other options such as Hinge and Harsh Dubey.
In parallel action, Gujarat Titans defeated Punjab Kings in Ahmedabad after winning the toss and electing to field first. This result further shaped the final league standings, with SRH now preparing to face the team that finishes fourth in the upcoming Eliminator match.
Vettori concluded by reiterating that the team’s position is a credit to the collective effort, particularly the fast bowlers who provided crucial support. He maintained that while the team cannot have everything, the resilience shown throughout the season has positioned them well for the remainder of the playoffs.
