Hyderabad: Former India cricketer Kris Srikkanth has strongly criticised Abhishek Sharma and the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) batting unit following their shocking collapse against Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026, stating that “this kind of batting will not do” for a championship side.
SRH register lowest-ever IPL total
Sunrisers Hyderabad endured a disastrous outing as they were bowled out for just 86 while chasing a modest target of 169. The total marked their lowest score in IPL history, raising serious concerns about the team’s batting approach.
Despite boasting a strong batting line-up, none of SRH’s top five batters managed to cross the 15-run mark. In a surprising turn, captain Pat Cummins emerged as the top scorer with a quickfire 19 off just nine balls from the No. 8 position.
The collapse came as a major setback for SRH, especially considering that a target below 170 is generally viewed as achievable in T20 cricket.
Srikkanth questions Abhishek Sharma’s approach
Srikkanth did not hold back in his assessment of Abhishek Sharma’s dismissal, criticising the lack of application shown by the young opener.
Abhishek started aggressively, hitting a six off the first ball he faced, but was dismissed for just six runs off four deliveries after attempting another risky shot.
“Why is he charging the second ball? He should have got out on that ball itself, but eventually charged again and got dismissed,” Srikkanth remarked.
He emphasised that players must adapt their approach based on match situations rather than relying solely on aggressive stroke play.
Criticism extends to Travis Head
Srikkanth also criticised SRH opener Travis Head, who was dismissed for a duck. He pointed out the batter’s struggles throughout the season, suggesting a lack of consistency and poor shot selection.
“Travis Head hasn’t been able to lay bat on ball this entire season,” Srikkanth said, adding that the batter’s occasional scores had come due to dropped chances rather than controlled innings.
The former opener questioned why players continued to attempt risky shots despite not being in good form, stressing the need for composure and situational awareness.
Bowling brilliance from Gujarat Titans
While SRH’s batting faltered, Gujarat Titans’ bowlers delivered a disciplined performance. Srikkanth singled out Kagiso Rabada for his high-speed, accurate bowling, noting that his consistent line and length made it difficult for batters to settle.
According to Srikkanth, the pitch conditions required batters to apply themselves and build innings, something SRH failed to do. Instead, the team’s aggressive approach backfired, leading to a rapid collapse.
Concerns for SRH’s title ambitions
The heavy defeat has raised doubts about SRH’s ability to compete for the IPL 2026 title. Srikkanth warned that such reckless batting would not help the team evolve into a championship-winning side.
He stressed that while aggressive batting can yield results when conditions are favourable, teams must also demonstrate resilience and adaptability under pressure.
Conclusion
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s record-low total has exposed significant flaws in their batting strategy, with experts calling for a more balanced and disciplined approach. As the tournament progresses, SRH will need to regroup quickly and address these issues to stay competitive. Srikkanth’s sharp remarks underline the importance of temperament and game awareness in T20 cricket, especially when chasing achievable targets.