Key Highlights:
Hyderabad, April 6, 2025 | Mohammed Shami Magic – In a high-stakes IPL 2025 clash between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Gujarat Titans (GT), one name dominated the early proceedings—Mohammed Shami. Known for his devastating spells with the new ball, Shami once again proved why he’s considered one of the finest powerplay pacers in modern cricket.
Pre-Match Hype: Shami vs Gill Headline the Duel
Heading into the match, the talk of the town was Shami’s head-to-head stats against GT skipper Shubman Gill. The numbers spoke volumes:
- Times dismissed Gill: 2
- Gill’s strike rate vs Shami: 113.88
- Gill’s average vs Shami: 20.5
With Gujarat boasting an explosive top order and a flat Hyderabad pitch expected to produce runs, SRH needed early wickets—and Shami was the man with the plan.
Powerplay Pressure: Sudharsan Falls Early
Shami wasted no time. In just the third over of GT’s chase, he banged in a sharp short ball that rose awkwardly on Sai Sudharsan—a batter in rich form and No.2 on the Orange Cap list. Sudharsan fended it uneasily, offering a tame catch and departing for 5 runs, his lowest score in IPL history.
This wicket came at a crucial juncture, with GT already under pressure at 15 for 1. The early jolt sent a ripple through their batting lineup.
Cummins Doubles Trouble: Buttler Gone for a Duck
While Shami struck from one end, Pat Cummins followed suit. In the very next over, he delivered a back-of-a-length delivery that nipped in and took the inside edge of Jos Buttler’s bat, crashing into the stumps. Buttler, dismissed for a 3-ball duck, could only walk off stunned.
With both openers back in the pavilion inside four overs, GT were left teetering at 16 for 2, and the onus shifted to their inexperienced middle order.
Washington’s Surprise Promotion
In a tactical surprise, Washington Sundar, primarily known for his bowling, walked in at No.4. The move underlined just how rattled GT’s batting order was. SRH had succeeded in throwing their plans off-course—Shami’s early wicket being the catalyst.
Tactical Brilliance: Why Shami Is Still the Powerplay King
Here’s why Shami’s spell made all the difference:
- Controlled lengths: Rather than over-pitching, Shami stuck to hard lengths, letting the pitch do the work.
- Pace variations: The bouncer that undid Sudharsan wasn’t just about speed—it was precise.
- Mental edge: Shami’s past record against Gill and other top batters gave SRH confidence in attack.
It wasn’t just about wickets—it was about momentum.
Match Context: SRH Desperate for Redemption
SRH came into this game on the back of three consecutive losses, struggling to find form with both bat and ball. Their death bowling had been especially poor, but the management backed the experience of Shami to deliver in crunch moments.
With Kagiso Rabada absent, SRH’s bowling attack looked thin. But Shami’s opening burst gave them a foothold they were desperately searching for.
Statistical Spotlight: Shami in IPL 2025 (So Far)
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 4 |
| Powerplay Wickets | 5 |
| Economy in Powerplay | 6.85 |
| Average vs Right-handers | 18.7 |
Shami remains among the top 3 bowlers in powerplay effectiveness this season—despite SRH’s struggles as a unit.
Commentary Box Reactions
“This is vintage Shami—when the ball is doing just enough, he’s unplayable.” – Aakash Chopra
What’s Next for SRH?
If SRH can build on this momentum and fix their death-over woes, they still have a chance to turn their campaign around. With experienced heads like Shami, Cummins, and Klaasen in the side, they aren’t out of the playoff race yet.
In an IPL dominated by flashy finishes and explosive totals, Mohammed Shami reminded everyone that old-school, seam-up powerplay bowling still wins matches. His early spell didn’t just remove a dangerous batter—it broke GT’s rhythm and handed SRH a strategic upper hand in a must-win game.
As the tournament progresses, expect Shami to remain a key figure in SRH’s bowling plans, especially if they hope to claw back into contention.
The Hindustan Herald Is Your Source For The Latest In Business, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Breaking News, And Other News. Please Follow Us On Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, And LinkedIn To Receive Instantaneous Updates. Also Don’t Forget To Subscribe Our Telegram Channel @hindustanherald
