Punjab Kings (PBKS) have been an under-performing side in the last decades. Despite having big names in the squad, they have been unstable and not managed to qualify for playoffs. This time, they have roped in former Australia captain Ricky Ponting as head coach who went all out for Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) IPL 2024-winning captain Shreyas Iyer. PBKS look solid on paper and former Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) batter Hanuma Vihari feels that they will break the jinx and make it to their second IPL final. He feels SRH will face PBKS in the IPL 2025 final.
“Sunrisers have set a new benchmark. Credit to the captain, coach and team management for the freedom they have given to the team. I am sure they will continue in the same vein this season as well,” Vihari who will be present in the commentary box told JioHotstar.
“Punjab look solid. (Shreyas) Iyer is an IPL-winning captain and Ricky Ponting is a great coach. With Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis and Marcus Stoinis, their batting looks sound. I feel SRH and Punjab will make it to the final,” he predicted.
With the introduction of impact player on batting friendly tracks, SRH set a benchmark as they surpassed the long-standing record for highest score thrice. The record-breaking total of 287/3 came against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on April 15 at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium. Vihari feels SRH have further bolstered their lineup by adding Ishan Kishan and are capable of breaching the 300-run mark this season.
“Sunrisers have strengthened their strong batting order by including Ishan Kishan at No.3. With openers — Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma — giving great starts and Heinrich Klaasen and Nitish Reddy in the line-up, they can reach the 300-run total. On a good batting wicket and with small boundaries, that total is possible," the 31-year-old said.
Vihari's IPL career
Vihari has played in two seasons for SRH. In 2013 edition, he scored 241 runs from 17 innings at an average of 17.21 and an underwhelming strike rate of 86.69. In IPL 2015, he got just five games where he failed to prove his mettle. In IPL 2019, he was a part of Delhi Capitals where he got two games and registered single-digit scores. He has fallen off IPL franchises radar since and will be commentating this season.