In a setback for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Australian opener Travis Head was ruled out of the IPL 2025 match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 19 after testing positive for COVID-19.SRH head coach Daniel Vettori confirmed that Travis Head’s positive COVID-19 test disrupted his travel plans from Australia, ruling him out of the important league-stage match.
This is Head’s third known COVID-19 infection since 2021, an unfortunate record that adds another layer of difficulty to an already disappointing season for SRH. The team, which has struggled to maintain form and consistency, has now been eliminated from playoff contention, and Head’s absence only deepened the challenges they faced in their final fixtures.
🇦🇺 A Season of Mixed Fortunes for Travis Head
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Despite entering IPL 2025 with high expectations after a remarkable international season, Travis Head has delivered a relatively subdued performance.In the 11 matches he has played so far, he has scored 281 runs, showing flashes of brilliance but lacking the consistency SRH desperately needed at the top of the order.
Despite the modest numbers, Head’s aggressive batting style and ability to take on bowlers in the powerplay have remained a crucial part of SRH’s strategy. His early explosiveness often set the tone for the innings, making his absence all the more significant.
🔁 Looking Ahead: Possible Return for Final Matches
SRH is hopeful that Travis Head will recover in time to play the remaining fixtures of their IPL 2025 campaign. The team is scheduled to face:
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Royal Challengers Bengaluru on May 23
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Kolkata Knight Riders on May 25
While the matches may not influence the playoff picture for SRH, they still represent opportunities to finish the season on a positive note and offer fans a glimpse of the team’s potential heading into the next year.
📝 Final Thoughts
As one of their key overseas players, his unavailability due to COVID-19 not only weakens the side on paper but also impacts team morale. Nevertheless, SRH remains optimistic about his return and will be looking to end their campaign with strong performances in the final games.