IPL 2019: Aakash Chopra feels SRH's middle order is too fragile

Last year’s finalists, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have once again started the tournament really well. Last season, they topped the table in the group stages and this year, they once again find themselves at the top of the tree. After losing their first game to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), they have come back very strongly.

They beat Rajasthan Royals (RR) in their second game by five wickets as they hunted down 199, their highest successful run chase in the history of the IPL. In the next game, they absolutely smashed the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) by 118 runs. And then, last night, they defeated the Delhi Capitals by five wickets to rise to the top of the points table. In fact, they have the best net run rate (+1.780) at the moment in this tournament.

They are always the side to beat

Former India opener and commentator Aakash Chopra felt that SRH have always been the team to beat and nothing has changed this year. However, he was concerned about their middle-order which hasn’t fired yet this season. He also added that they need Kane Williamson at number three but with Mohammad Nabi performing, it will be tough to drop him.

#SRH is always the side to beat…and that hasn’t changed this year either. But their middle order is fragile….Kane needed but that would mean leaving Nabi out. That’s a tough one… #DCvSRH #IPL

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) April 4, 2019

SRH have had a strong start to this year’s IPL. David Warner has returned and is once again back amongst the runs as he is currently the leading run-getter in this season. Jonny Bairstow who has opened the batting alongside Warner is not too far behind either. He has been in scintillating form as well.

The bowling has blown hot and cold but has found a way to deliver. Hence, it makes them look a formidable side. However, if there is one chink in their armour, then it has to be their misfiring middle-order. Vijay Shankar has played a good role but apart from him none of them have stepped up. The likes of Manish Pandey and Yusuf Pathan haven’t really come to the party.

Moreover, Kane Williamson is nursing a shoulder injury and has played just one out of the four games. Mohammad Nabi played a couple of games in his absence and has done exceedingly well. Hence, when the skipper is fit, it’ll be interesting to see what combination SRH play and who sits out.

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