During a Jio Hotstar discussion, Uthappa lauded SRH’s bold strokeplay but highlighted the bowling department’s shortcomings. ‘Aggressive batting is fun, but trophies are won by bowlers,’ he remarked. The home ground, where SRH plays seven games, turns into a run-fest, challenging even veterans like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami.

Uthappa specifically called for crafty bowlers like Bhuvneshwar, who mixes swing, pace variations, and deadly yorkers. Last season, SRH’s bowling deficiencies were laid bare; they couldn’t dictate terms in crucial moments, finishing sixth after a strong 2024 final appearance.

Complicating matters, Pat Cummins’ fitness woes rule him out initially, thrusting Ishan Kishan into the captaincy role. This leadership shift comes at a pivotal time as SRH opens against RCB on March 28 at Chinnaswamy Stadium.

To lift the IPL trophy in 2026, SRH must overhaul their bowling – recruiting smart pacers and tailoring strategies for flat tracks. Uthappa’s verdict is clear: without this, their batting fireworks will fizzle out in the playoffs.

Reddy’s statement, posted on X, conveyed his intent to remain with the team. His performance in the 2024 season with SRH marked a significant turning point, leading to his selection in India’s T20I squad and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. In the 2025 IPL season, he scored 182 runs at an average of 22.75 and a strike rate of 118.95. Throughout his IPL career, Reddy has played 28 matches, amassing 485 runs, including two half-centuries, with an average of 28.52 and a strike rate of 132.87.

Recently, Reddy participated in the five-match Test series against England. However, he was sidelined after the third Test due to a knee injury. In the two Tests he played, he scored 45 runs and took three wickets. His injury will likely cause him to miss the upcoming Duleep Trophy.