Former India batter Wasim Jaffer has raised concerns about the usage of Umran Malik by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) during their recent match against Delhi Capitals (DC). Jaffer questioned the team's decision to play Malik if they don't have enough faith in his bowling abilities and suggested that they should add a batter to the team instead.
During the game, Malik only bowled two overs, conceding 14 runs without taking a wicket. In his six matches so far, Malik has picked up five wickets but has not bowled his full quota of four overs in most of the games.
Jaffer expressed his dissatisfaction with Hyderabad's performance against Delhi, saying that they could have allowed Delhi to reach a lower score. "Delhi were 62/5 at one point, but Hyderabad allowed them to reach 144. If they had bowled better, things could have been easier for them. Letting Delhi make 144 was a mistake by SRH," Jaffer told ESPNCricinfo.
Despite a good start, SRH lost the match against DC, with the opposition restricting them to 137/6 in response to the target of 144.
Jaffer also proposed a change in Hyderabad's batting order, suggesting that Abhishek Sharma should open the innings, and Harry Brook should bat in the middle. According to Jaffer, Sharma is better suited as an opener since most of his runs for SRH have come in that position. He also believes that with the inclusion of Aiden Markram, Brook, and Heinrich Klaasen, their batting in the middle and death overs will become strong.
Hyderabad has suffered three consecutive defeats in the IPL, and the team's management may consider Jaffer's suggestions to improve their performance in the upcoming matches.