Which SRH Openers Have Scored a Duck in IPL Playoff Matches

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is renowned for its high-octane matches and intense pressure, especially during the playoffs. Here, even the smallest mistake can turn the tide of the game. While some players thrive under such circumstances, others struggle to make an impact. For Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), a few of their openers have faced the ultimate challenge of getting out for a duck in playoff matches. Let’s delve into these instances and explore the scenarios where SRH openers failed to open their account.

Travis Head in IPL Playoffs 2024

Travis Head

The most recent instance occurred during the Qualifier 1 match of IPL 2024, held on May 21, between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders at the Narendra Modi Stadium. SRH’s skipper, Pat Cummins, opted to bat first after winning the toss, a decision that aimed to capitalize on the pressure of setting a target in a high-stakes game. However, the plan backfired early on.

Travis Head, who opened the batting, faced the second ball of the innings delivered by the fiery Mitchell Starc. Starc, known for his lethal pace and precision, bowled a perfect delivery that dismantled Head’s stumps on the second ball he faced. Head’s attempt to negotiate the swing and pace of Starc ended in vain, marking an inauspicious start for SRH in such a crucial match. This dismissal not only set a negative tone for SRH’s innings but also highlighted the vulnerability of even seasoned players under playoff pressure.

Shikhar Dhawan in IPL 2016 & 2018 (2 Ducks)

Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan, a prolific run-scorer in the IPL, has the unfortunate distinction of being the only SRH openers to record two ducks in IPL playoff matches. His first duck came during the 2016 season’s Qualifier 2 against Gujarat Lions. In this critical match, Dhawan struggled to get off the mark and was eventually run out after facing just four deliveries. This early setback could have derailed SRH’s chase, but the team managed to overcome the hiccup and progress further in the tournament.

Two years later, in the Qualifier 1 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) during the 2018 season, Dhawan’s woes in playoff matches continued. Facing Deepak Chahar, Dhawan was bowled out on the very first ball of the game. This golden duck at the Wankhede Stadium provided a dream start for CSK and a nightmarish one for SRH. Despite Dhawan’s prowess and experience, the pressure of the playoff stage once again proved to be his undoing.

Shreevats Goswami in IPL 2020

Shreevats Goswami

In the IPL 2020 Eliminator match against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), uncapped wicketkeeper-batsman Shreevats Goswami opened for SRH. Chasing a modest target of 132 runs set by RCB, SRH needed a solid start to ensure a smooth chase. However, Mohammed Siraj, with his disciplined bowling, had other plans.

Goswami faced three balls before edging one to the wicketkeeper, AB de Villiers, off Siraj’s bowling. This early dismissal could have put SRH in a precarious position, but the middle order, led by Kane Williamson, ensured that SRH crossed the finish line. Williamson’s 44-ball 50 played a pivotal role in stabilizing the innings and securing a six-wicket victory for SRH, allowing them to progress to Qualifier 2. However, their journey ended there, as they were defeated by Delhi Capitals.

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