After a crushing defeat to Mumbai Indians on April 23, SRH captain Pat Cummins suggested that the team might reconsider their aggressive, all-out attack approach in upcoming matches. Known for their high-energy, attacking cricket in 2024, SRH has faced struggles in the ongoing season, currently sitting in 9th place on the points table.
Reflecting on the loss, Cummins acknowledged that while players like Abhinav and Klaasen contributed to a decent total, the team's inability to build partnerships and steady the innings was a key issue. "We just didn't get going," Cummins noted. "One player needed to stabilize things, but we kept losing wickets. We had discussed this strategy before the match—that it’s important to build innings. Even if you take your time, you can make up for it later. But we kept starting at none for two, which isn’t ideal." He also pointed out the importance of assessing each pitch before setting a game plan.
Cummins drew a comparison between SRH's explosive 286-run performance in their opening game and the subsequent low scores in the following matches. The stark contrast highlighted the inconsistency in their approach. Admitting that their current strategy hasn’t yielded the desired results, Cummins emphasized that the team would now focus on assessing conditions more carefully.
"We need to be more strategic about our approach depending on the pitch," Cummins continued. "Every wicket is different, and it's crucial to figure out what total would be competitive on each one." With several away games ahead, Cummins noted that adapting to conditions and adjusting their target-setting strategy will be key in the coming matches. "That’s something we’ll definitely focus on going forward," he added.