In a surprising update that has shaken SunRisers Hyderabad fans, star opener Travis Head will miss the IPL 2025 clash against Lucknow Super Giants. Head coach Daniel Vettori revealed in a press briefing that the Australian southpaw contracted COVID-19, which delayed his travel to India. The batter is expected to land on Monday morning, but his availability for the final two league games remains uncertain. The news is a massive blow to the Hyderabad franchise, especially considering Head’s pivotal role at the top of the order and the team’s existing struggle to find form in the tournament.

SRH’s Playoff Hopes Crushed Before Final League Games

SunRisers Hyderabad’s campaign this season has been far from their 2024 heroics, where they reached the finals. With just 11 points from 11 matches and currently placed 8th on the table, SRH has already been eliminated from the playoff race. Even before the match against LSG, the team’s fate was sealed due to inconsistent performances from key players. Head’s absence only adds salt to the wound, highlighting the instability in their batting order. Despite the team showing glimpses of potential, the lack of cohesion among top-order batters like Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Heinrich Klaasen hurt their momentum all season.

A Season of Missed Opportunities for Travis Head

Travis Head himself has had a modest IPL 2025 season, scoring only 281 runs so far—well below expectations. While much was anticipated from the aggressive opener after a strong international season, his lack of big knocks and now his unavailability for a crucial match has limited his impact. For a player of his calibre, the tournament offered a platform to solidify his T20 credentials. Unfortunately, the bout with COVID-19 and the disrupted travel plan have capped what could have been a redemption arc in the final games of the league.

Team Dynamics Hit Hard as SRH Struggles with Consistency

The absence of Head reflects a larger issue within the SRH setup this season—unreliable performances and a struggling core group. Despite having star-studded names, the team often failed to click together. The much-hyped batting lineup rarely delivered in tandem, putting pressure on the bowlers to defend underwhelming totals. While there were occasional individual sparks, the synergy that defined their previous season never materialized. With just two matches left, against RCB and KKR, the focus now shifts to salvaging pride and preparing for the next season with clearer strategies and squad cohesion.

Suspension & Resumption: IPL 2025’s Tumultuous Phase

Adding to the complications of the season, the IPL 2025 saw a rare suspension due to escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan, following a terror attack in Pahalgam. The tournament resumed on May 17 after a week-long break, but even that restart was marred by rain, as the RCB vs KKR clash was washed out. These interruptions have affected teams’ momentum, and SRH has perhaps felt the brunt more than others. As fans look ahead to the conclusion of this dramatic season, SRH will hope to end on a respectable note—even if the playoffs are out of reach.

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Source : hindustantimes.com