New season brings new hopes. However, expectations run high for the Pat Cummins-led Sunrisers Hyderabad to recreate last year’s performance or do better as they begin their campaign against a comparatively new-look Rajasthan Royals at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Sunday afternoon. “Expectations bring more excitement,” said coach Daniel Vettori.

There was a turnaround of fortunes for SRH under the shrewd leadership of the experienced Cummins in 2024. From being at the bottom of the 10-team table in 2023, SRH took the 2024 season by storm before losing to Kolkata Knight Riders in the final.