Travis Heade influence was immediate and decisive in 2024. He scored 567 runs from 15 matches at a strike rate of almost 200 and occupied fourth spot in the run list. His contribution was of quick half-centuries and the tournament’s fastest hundred, scoring a century with three figures in just 39 balls. Head, in conjunction with Abhishek Sharma, was one part of the most feared opening partnership and as such had some fond memories for SRH, as he helped SRH achieve some of the highest team scores in IPL history with some notable performances such as, you could go back to a nostalgic 287-run against Royal Challengers Bangalore.
The ‘Travishek’ Effect
The Abhishek-Head pack, also known as the ‘Travishek’, was the nucleus of SRH’s revival. Together in IPL 2024, the duo scored 1,051 runs in 16 innings at a strike-rate of 197.2 and got the boundaries to the tune of 74. Their effortless intent at the front gave the middle order the licence to play their shots, and the bowlers beneath no let-up.
2025: A Dip but Still Vital
Although Head’s 2025 campaign for SRH may not be skating high up on a sporty knife-edge-high like 2024, he still holds a very key spot for SRH. By the end of early May 2025, Head has chalked up 281 runs from ten matches at plus or minus a tiny bit less than last year-28.1 average, yet still a team-leading run-getter. His powerplay prowess and ability to throw away the new ball puts him in the running, even despite being tried as an Impact Player, primarily batting while chasing for SRH.
Tactical Evolution of Travis Heade
SRH’s new approach has seen Head sometimes introduce outside the playing eleven, to be included as an Impact Substitute in run-chases. This goes for the heavy-bowling-at-the-start approach. SRH appreciates what they have, but Head’s explosiveness still has to be their biggest advantage if an early start is required.
