Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has raised concerns over Sunrisers Hyderabad’s lower middle order ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
Chopra believes that SRH may struggle in this area, as they could be forced to rely on two relatively inexperienced Indian batters at No. 6 and No. 7—an issue that might prove costly in high-pressure situations.
SRH, who finished as IPL 2024 runners-up, have retained a strong top order featuring captain Pat Cummins, Heinrich Klaasen, Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, and Nitish Kumar Reddy.
However, despite their efforts at the mega-auction, they were unable to significantly bolster their middle order, potentially leaving a vulnerability in their batting lineup.
In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Chopra analyzed the team’s squad composition and pointed out that a lack of experienced finishers could be a stumbling block.
With the IPL known for its unpredictable and high-intensity matches, SRH’s lower middle order will likely face a stern test when the tournament kicks off.
“If you get past the top five, somehow you dismiss the top five below 125 to 150 runs or so, then they can find themselves in a spot of bother. I am saying that because either Abhinav Manohar will play at No.6, or you have the options of Aniket Verma and Sachin Baby,” he said.
“Although Pat Cummins can come to bat, but even if Pat Cummins bats at No. 7, it’s one number higher than where he should be. So they need two batters at Nos. 6 and 7, and both will be Indians. They are difficult spots to bat. If you keep your most inexperienced players there, it could be a slight problem. This is a potential weakness,” Chopra added.
In the same video, Aakash Chopra addressed concerns regarding Pat Cummins’ availability and the uncertainty it could create within the Sunrisers Hyderabad squad.
He pointed out that Cummins recently missed the Champions Trophy due to injury, raising questions about whether he will be fit for the entire IPL 2025 season. Chopra highlighted the potential leadership void SRH could face if their skipper is unavailable, stating, “Who will you suddenly make the captain?”
He also identified Heinrich Klaasen as a likely candidate to take over the captaincy should Cummins be forced to withdraw from the tournament.
“What’s the scene with Pat Cummins’ injury? He missed the Champions Trophy just now. Will he be available for the entire season? If he isn’t available, there could be a slight leadership void. Who will you suddenly make the captain?” he said.
