Just ten days prior, SRH had set a new record for the highest total in IPL history when they faced RCB. However, despite their previous success, SRH faltered in their chase of 207, with both their openers – Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma – experiencing an unusual failure.
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Reflecting on the loss, Vettori admitted, “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.”
“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,” Vettori added.
He continued, addressing the team’s need for adaptability, “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 in a different manner.”
Vettori highlighted the importance of adjusting their approach, especially considering the changing conditions around the country. “Anchor roles when you are chasing 207 is hard to do. Obviously, need to be aggressive,” he emphasized.
In terms of bowling strategy, Vettori identified Jaydev Unadkat as a potential key player, particularly on slower surfaces. “I think when the surface suits him… he is really good when he has a set plan,” Vettori remarked, indicating Unadkat’s proficiency in adapting to different pitch conditions.
