There is something about this Sunrisers Hyderabad team that makes you root for them. Maybe it’s Pat Cummins leading with quiet confidence, or maybe it is just that underdog energy that makes every win feel a little more special. But with just six points from nine games, SRH finds itself in a tough spot.
SRH are currently placed eighth on the points table and staring down a mountain-sized task to make the playoffs. Their recent win over CSK was more than just two points; it was a lifeline. A must-win game that SRH managed to pull off at Chepauk, a place where visiting teams usually crumble. In fact, it was SRH’s first win at Chepauk, and it came at the right time for them.
However, even that win came with a small asterisk, as they won by five wickets but took 18.4 overs to chase down the target. Well, it didn’t do much to repair their poor net run rate, which is currently at a worrying -1.103.
That is the thing about this stage of the tournament. It is no longer just about winning. It is about how you win. Margin matters. Every over, every run counts.
SRH’s qualification scenario for IPL 2025 playoffs
Let’s do the math now. SRH has five matches left. Win them all, and they get to 16 points. History says 16 points almost always gets you to the playoffs. But even 14 points might be enough, if your net run rate plays nice and other teams falter. But SRH can’t afford to slip even once from here. One loss, and the path gets cloudier.
What if SRH win all five games?
Well, that is the dream scenario, and if that happens, they will get 16 points, and they will have a real chance to sneak into the top four. But even then, they will need to win big. They can’t just scrape past teams in the last over. They need dominant performances in terms of runs and quick chases, and every bit helps.
What if SRH win only four games?
That brings them to 14 points, which is the danger zone. It is that awkward middle ground where qualification is possible but highly uncertain. In this case, SRH would need:
Delhi Capitals to lose at least 3 of their remaining matches
One of the top 3 teams to collapse completely
A massive jump in SRH’s own net run rate
And perhaps most importantly, a win over KKR, which not only gives them points but also drags a competitor down.
Take a look at SRH’s remaining fixtures
May 2: vs Gujarat Titans (Ahmedabad)
May 5: vs Delhi Capitals (Hyderabad)
May 10: vs Kolkata Knight Riders (Hyderabad)
May 13: vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Bengaluru)
May 18: vs Lucknow Super Giants (Lucknow)
Every single one of these matches is against a team either in playoff contention or desperate to get in. It is going to be a brawl every step of the way.