Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) assistant coach Ryan Cook has expressed confidence in Mohammed Shami, backing the experienced pacer to make an impact in their crucial IPL 2025 clash against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Thursday, April 3, at Eden Gardens. Shami, who missed the previous IPL season due to injury, has had a forgettable start to this campaign, managing just two wickets in three matches while conceding runs at an economy of 11.22.
Despite his struggles, Ryan Cook believes Shami’s experience and familiarity with the conditions at Eden Gardens—also his home ground in domestic cricket—will help him turn things around.
“Shami is an outstanding bowler who has delivered match-winning performances over the years. This pitch should suit him well, as we’ve seen that a good length is effective here. I’m excited to see him in action tomorrow,” Ryan Cook stated in the pre-match press conference.
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Shami’s IPL pedigree is unquestionable—he won the Purple Cap in 2023 after finishing as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker with 28 wickets in 17 matches. However, Gujarat Titans released him ahead of the mega auction, and SRH secured his services for ₹10 crore. Cook also praised young wrist-spinner Zeeshan Ansari, who made a memorable IPL debut against Delhi Capitals by picking up three wickets.
“Zeeshan has been fantastic. He impressed everyone in the camp and warm-up games, and then he showed his skill in the last match. Taking three wickets on debut is no small feat. I’m confident he’ll continue his good form,” Ryan Cook added.
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SRH will be desperate to break their losing streak against KKR, having lost their last four encounters. The defending champions also have a superior head-to-head record, winning 19 of the 28 matches played between the two teams. With both sides carrying strong ambitions this season, SRH will be keen to settle scores, especially after last season’s IPL final loss to KKR.
