SRH will not change their approach despite KKR hammering: Helmot

Known for their explosive batting early on, for batting the opposition out in the powerplay, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) had a day to forget in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 final agianst Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Chennai on May 26 (Sunday). After opting to bat first, they were bundled out for just 113, in just 18.3 overs, with Travis Head (0) and Abhishek Sharma (2), who have tormented the opposition throughout the season back in the hut within two overs.

Despite this, SRH assistant coach Simon Helmot says that his side will not change their approach, but they must be smart about it.

"We were not going to change our brand or approach. We wanted to be aggressive but also smart and work the situations through," Helmot said in the post-match press conference.

"Our plan certainly wasn't to get bowled out for 113 in the 18th over. We played in a really positive way, but a few good deliveries early on put us on the back foot. Unfortunately, it was one of those days."

"Travis is experienced in playing left-arm pace. We have had games where both he and Abhishek have scored runs," the Australian further explained.

"Obviously, we couldn't get as much from the middle order as we would have liked, but it was a fairly good ball to get rid of him."

He also credited KKR for a brilliant season and added they deserved to win the title. "We have got to give credit to KKR. They have had a great season, winning 79 per cent of their games and playing an aggressive brand with the bat, ball and on the field. But, we will come hard next season," the 52-year-old said.

"They are a very balanced unit with their four pace bowlers and two very accomplished spinners. They have been a terrific team with an excellent batting depth and are deserving victors in this IPL."

When asked about some positives from the season, Helmot pointed out the performances of three players from his side. "I think Nattu [T Natarajan] and Bhuvi [Bhuvneshwar Kumar] had a terrific finish to the season, along with Nitish Reddy, who is also probably one of the best fielders in the competition," he said.

"It's no fluke that we managed to turn the tables from our finish last year. We will use it as a catalyst coming into the season next year."

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