Sunrisers Hyderabad's Bowling Struggles Highlighted by Coach Vettori After IPL Opener

In the aftermath of Sunrisers Hyderabad's IPL opener against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, coach Daniel Vettori expressed his dissatisfaction with the team's bowling performance. He noted that allowing key players like Devdutt Padikkal and Virat Kohli too many scoring opportunities led to their defeat. Vettori emphasized the need for improved discipline and execution in future matches, while also expressing confidence in his batting lineup. Additionally, he provided an update on Brydon Carse's injury, hoping for his return in the upcoming match against Kolkata. Read on for a detailed analysis of the match and Vettori's insights.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 29, 2026, 11:24 IST

Vettori Critiques Bowling Performance Against RCB

Daniel Vettori, the head coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad, expressed disappointment over his team's bowling performance in their IPL opener against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, describing it as 'poor'. He acknowledged that they allowed both Devdutt Padikkal and Virat Kohli too many chances to score.

In the match held on Saturday, Hyderabad set a target of 201 runs but failed to contain the aggressive batting of Padikkal and Kohli, who led RCB to victory in just 15.4 overs.

Vettori stated in the post-match press conference, 'We started well with the ball against Phil Salt, but our performance declined. We lacked the necessary discipline and allowed Virat and Padikkal to capitalize on scoring opportunities.'

He added, 'After taking Salt's wicket, we should have maintained our discipline. RCB's batting was impressive, while our bowling was subpar.'

The coach noted that while they observed RCB pacer Jacob Duffy's effective bowling, his team struggled to apply similar strategies.

'We learned from RCB's bowling tactics, but we couldn't execute them. Every match in the IPL is crucial, especially the opening ones,' Vettori remarked.

He acknowledged that the bowling display was challenging, but mentioned that they showed improvement towards the end of the innings when they returned to their usual discipline, managing to take some wickets. However, he felt they missed their lengths too often, particularly noting Duffy's effective length on the pitch.

Vettori expressed hope that young bowlers like David Payne and Harsh Dubey would perform better in future matches.

Despite scoring over 200 runs, Vettori admitted that on a flat Chinnaswamy pitch, it was not enough. 'A couple of years ago, 200 seemed safe, but we now recognize the strength of RCB's batting lineup,' he said.

He subtly indicated that he expected more from the top-order batsmen, including Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Heinrich Klaasen.

While Kishan and Klaasen contributed valuable runs, both openers fell early, putting pressure on the middle order.

Nevertheless, Vettori remains confident in his batting lineup. 'We trust our batting unit. Aniket Verma, coming in at seven, showed aggression and helped us reach a defendable total. We don't expect Abhi and Trav to perform every game; we rely on the entire batting unit to win matches throughout the season.'

He praised the top seven batsmen, stating that their ability to reach 200 runs despite a tough start reflects their caliber. 'They have the confidence to play aggressively, understanding the need for high scores in today's IPL,' he added.

Vettori also provided an update on England all-rounder Brydon Carse, who sustained a hand injury during practice. 'He was hit on his bowling hand but has no fractures, just swelling. He attempted to play but found it difficult to grip the ball. We're hopeful he'll be fit for selection against Kolkata,' he concluded.