'We don't expect them to perform 14 games' - Daniel Vettori after SRH's off day against RCB

The Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) suffered a 35-run defeat against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Thursday, April 25. Chasing a target of 207 runs, SRH's in-form opening pair of Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma failed to fire in the powerplay, putting immense pressure on the middle order, which also also failed to dominate on a batting-friendly wicket.

Just 10 days prior, SRH had set the record for the highest team total in IPL history by scoring 287/6 against the same opponent in Bengaluru. However, RCB responded by bundling SRH out for 171 in the reverse fixture. Head coach Daniel Vettori acknowledged that such failures are bound to happen in a shorter format of the game.

"We were confident because of the scores we were able to put up, We thought that 206 was a good score, there was a real confidence in the group because of past performances," Vettori said in the post-match presentation. 

"We also know that it's been set up by the openers and today they had an off day and that's cricket and you have off days. We don't expect them to perform 14 games and unfortunately, we didn't get the support in the middle stages. It's a tough loss but we understand that every team in the IPL can beat every team, there are no easy games at all," he added.

Also read: Faf du Plessis jokes after ending six-game losing streak in IPL 2024

We have been successful in setting totals: Daniel Vettori

Looking ahead to SRH's next game against the Chennai Super Kings, Vettori admitted a change in approach may be required. 

"We have been successful setting totals and now we have to look at our way of chasing. We come up against a really good team in Chennai so I suppose for us is removing ourselves from this game and understanding that the Chepauk wicket could be different and we may have to go about it differently," the SRH head coach said.

Vettori praised Jaydev Unadkat's efforts with the ball, who ended with the figures of 3/30. "I think when the surface suits him and to be fair to him he probably gets more bounce and can stop the ball on the wicket than most," he concluded.

Also read: How can Sunrisers Hyderabad qualify for playoffs loss against RCB in Match 41?

Even though RCB ended up winning the game, they still are at the bottom of the table with four points and need to win all their upcoming matches even for a minute chance of qualifying for the playoffs. On the other hand, SRH are on the third position with 10 points.