'Self-goal' - Aakash Chopra baffled over Hyderabad pitch used for GT clash after SRH chase 246 against PBKS

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has criticised the pitch curator of Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi  International Stadium for laying out inconsistent surfaces in IPL 2025. SRH have been largely struggling with their batting this season, with their top-order failing to accumulate runs in the powerplay like the previous edition of the league.

The first game in Hyderabad saw a batting paradise as SRH racked up 286/6, the second-highest total in IPL history, against Rajasthan Royals before restricting them 44 runs short. However, in their next home game, the pitch was inclined towards the bowlers as SRH could manage only 152/8 as Gujarat Titans' in-form bowling line-up dominated them on a sluggish track and the hosts lost the game by seven wickets.

However, in their most recent home encounter against Punjab Kings on April 12, the track was a belter as a whopping 492 runs were scored. After Punjab Kings smashed 246, SRH not only chased down the target but did so with nine balls to spare thanks to Abhishek Sharma's record-breaking knock of 141 off just 55. 

Chopra took to his X account to voice out his concern regarding the inconsistent pitch conditions. "After seeing what we saw on Day-2 of the IPL (SRHvRR game) and then again today….you wonder how on earth the curator decided to dish out a sluggish pitch for their home-game vs GT. Self Goal."

Aakash Chopra@cricketaakash

After seeing what we saw on Day-2 of the IPL (SRHvRR game) and then again today….you wonder how on earth the curator decided to dish out a sluggish pitch for their home-game vs GT. Self Goal.

12:49 AM · Apr 13, 2025

2.5K53

Speaking of the clash against Punjab Kings, it was a lucky day for Abhishek as he bashed the bowlers all around the park after getting two lifelines. He scored a half-century off just 19 balls and brought up his century in just 40 balls, before registering the highest score by an Indian in the tournament's history. He also pulled out a unique celebration, taking out a note from his pocket, which read, 'This is for Orange Army'. 

It was a comeback for Abhishek, who was struggling in the previous games with scores of 18, 2, 1 and 6. He also got the much-needed support from Travis Head, who also scored 66 off 37 balls as SRH registered the second-highest chase in IPL history.