Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) kept their hopes alive in the IPL 2025 tournament after a crucial five-wicket win over the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). However, despite the two points, SRH head coach Daniel Vettori admitted there’s still "a lot of work to be done" for the franchise to secure a place in the playoffs. While speaking at the post-match press conference, Vettori candidly reflected on the team’s auction strategy, particularly expressing his admiration and regret over missing out on R Sai Kishore, one of the breakout stars of IPL 2025.

Vettori, a former New Zealand captain and one of cricket’s finest left-arm spinners, was asked about the most impressive left-arm spinners this season. Without hesitation, he praised Sai Kishore, saying, "Sai Kishore's been the pick [of the bowlers]. He has been fantastic, I think." Vettori went on to elaborate that Kishore’s ability to adapt, turn the ball, change pace, and switch between over and around the wicket makes him a perfect model for modern-day limited-overs bowling.

He further added, "He was a guy that we looked at very closely in the auction and wanted him in the team. He has all the attributes of a very good limited-overs bowler. He's very brave, and he has shown how to succeed even on good batting wickets."

During the IPL 2025 Auction, SRH had shown early interest in Sai Kishore, hoping to grab him at or near his base price. However, as the bidding intensified, Punjab Kings initially pushed the price up to Rs 2 crore, and Gujarat Titans, his previous franchise, used their Right-To-Match (RTM) card to bring him back. Sai Kishore has justified the investment by taking 12 wickets this season at an impressive average of 16.3, currently holding the second-best average among the top 10 bowlers of IPL 2025.

One of SRH's gaps this season has been the absence of a traditional left-arm spinner. While Kamindu Mendis, the ambidextrous Sri Lankan all-rounder, has been utilized effectively for his ability to bowl both right-arm off-spin and left-arm orthodox spin in the same over, Vettori admitted that he had initially underestimated Mendis’ value. The decision to bring Mendis primarily for his batting has paid off, as the versatile player has contributed significantly in all departments.

Vettori emphasized that despite the recent win, SRH's journey is far from over. To qualify for the playoffs, the Sunrisers must win all three of their remaining matches. Vettori pointed out how Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in 2024 created a roadmap for turning around a season with a late surge, something SRH now aims to emulate.

The SRH head coach’s reflections underline the unpredictable nature of IPL auctions, where tactical decisions can often make or break a season. The regret of missing out on a player like Sai Kishore not only highlights his growing stature in Indian cricket but also serves as a reminder of how auction-day margins can define fortunes.

Sunrisers Hyderabad's Path Ahead

The stakes are high for SRH. They need to string together three consecutive wins to stay in the race for the playoffs. With the batting unit finding form and bowlers showing discipline, their chances, though slim, are alive.

Sai Kishore's Journey

For Sai Kishore, IPL 2025 has been a season of validation. Often overshadowed by bigger names, he has shown that with the right skills, courage, and strategy, a spinner can dominate even on batting-friendly surfaces. His success story is now setting the benchmark for emerging spinners aiming to carve a niche in the shortest format of the game.

Conclusion

While Daniel Vettori and SRH might regret missing out on Sai Kishore, the tournament is a testament to the unpredictability and excitement that defines the IPL. Whether SRH can overcome the odds and script a fairy-tale playoff entry remains to be seen, but one thing is certain — the franchise will watch Sai Kishore’s rise closely, perhaps even bidding more aggressively if the opportunity arises again.

As for now, all eyes are on SRH's final league matches, where every ball, every run, and every decision could determine their fate in IPL 2025.

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