‘I prefer my batters more enterprising’ – Brian Lara lashes out on SRH batters after poor batting display against DC in IPL 2023

In their match against Delhi Capitals (DC) on Monday night in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) failed to capitalise on a relatively simple run chase. SRH could only muster 137/6 in 20 overs while chasing a modest 145 at home, falling short by seven runs. The result, however, had little to no effect on the standings, as Delhi remained at the bottom while SRH was ranked one spot higher, at number 9. From the same amount of games, each team has four points.

Regarding the SRH batting order, only Mayank Agarwal’s 39-ball 49 and the addition of Henrich Klassen and Washington Sundar to the chase allowed other batters to contribute significantly. Sundar managed 24* in the 15 balls he faced, but his side could not cross the finish line as Klassen scored 19-ball 31.

However, SRH coach Brian Lara was not at all pleased with his team’s strategy and urged his players to express themselves more and use the pitch limitations.

‘Our bowlers did a good job, and our batters needed to do a better job’ – Brian Lara

“There were no devils in the pitch, and we could have been more proactive throughout the innings,” Lara said in the post-match press conference. “We left everything too late. I prefer if my batters are a bit more enterprising and take advantage in Powerplay. We allowed them to take wickets in the middle and cramp us,” he added.

“The first 15 overs were crucial, and we should have been in a much better position. With the fast bowlers coming back, we could get 12 or 13 per over, but these guys – Ishant Sharma, Mukesh and Nortje are professionals, and they put the balls in the right areas. However, we should have chased down that total comfortably. Our bowlers did a good job, and our batters needed to do a better job,” he concluded.

Lara claimed that since SRH is at the very bottom of the points table, people must take on greater responsibility. “But moving on, we have seven games left and need to regroup quickly. Our backs are against the wall, and there is no doubt about that, and we need to take more responsibility moving forward,” the SRH coach said.