SRH's Winning Formula Unchanged For IPL 2024 Final Clash With KKR, Helmot Reveals

Chennai, May 25 (PTI): Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), led by skipper Pat Cummins, are set to face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) final. Assistant coach Simon Helmot expressed confidence in the team's strategy and approach.

Following their 36-run victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Qualifier 2 on Friday, Helmot confirmed there would be no change in their playing style for the final. The match is scheduled for Sunday at Chepauk.

"We must stick to our philosophy. We have done it all season, and it has got us into the situation we are now. There won't be any change in our method in the final," Helmot stated during the post-match press conference.

Travis Head, Rahul Tripathi, and Heinrich Klaasen were instrumental with the bat, helping SRH post a total of 175/9. Their efforts proved sufficient as they restricted RR to 139/7 in 20 overs.

SRH had previously lost to KKR in Qualifier 1 but bounced back against RR. Helmot commented on the pitch conditions, noting that slower off-cutters and bouncers became effective as the innings progressed.

"The wicket looked good and shiny. We got to a fairly good start, and we probably lost an extra wicket. As the innings got on, the slower off-cutters and bouncers started working," he said.

Rajasthan Royals' batters struggled against SRH's spinners Abhishek Sharma and Shahbaz Ahmed. Helmot praised Cummins for his decision-making and his relationship with head coach Daniel Vetori.

"The credit goes to the captain. He made decisions at a time when he felt that conditions were conducive to spin. There were two right-handers at the time, and he felt that a left-arm orthodox spinner would be a good option," Helmot added.

Helmot also highlighted Cummins' practical approach and minimal engagement in team meetings. "A very practical guy, very humble, very empathetic to his fellow teammates and coaching staff. He is into the statistics and gets the information that he needs against a particular opposition in certain conditions," he said.

Helmot noted that Cummins prefers one-on-one discussions with coaches over large group meetings. "Our team meeting today was 35 seconds. But a lot of information has already been spoken about," he mentioned.

All-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed has been a valuable addition to SRH this season. Helmot praised him as a versatile player who can bat at various positions and bowl at different stages of the innings.

"Don't know the background about how it was done, but I do know he is a multi-skilled player, very experienced, bats at the top of the order, or the middle order, and can bowl nearly anywhere in the innings," Helmot said.

He acknowledged that Ahmed's acquisition was a wise decision by SRH's management. "I think when the opportunity (to trade) was presented, the decision-makers were very wise in making that trade," he added.

Helmot concluded by emphasising Ahmed's importance to the team alongside Nitish Reddy. "He's played a lot of games for us and has been an important element, besides being a versatile one alongside Nitish Reddy, which makes it easier when it comes to squad balance," he signed off.