IPL 2024 Final: Ex-India Stars Question SRH's Opening Strategy Against KKR

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have faced a tough start in the IPL 2024 Final against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

Pat Cummins opted to bat first, but SRH found themselves in a difficult position from the beginning. They are struggling at 62 for 5 after ten overs, with troubles starting from the very first over.

In a repeat of their Qualifier 1 match, SRH lost openers Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head early. Mitchell Starc dismissed Abhishek Sharma with an exceptional delivery, removing SRH's first wicket. Travis Head's dismissal followed in the second over. Vaibhav Arora sent him back for a Golden Duck, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz taking the catch behind the stumps.

Abhishek and Head were instrumental for SRH during the league phase, amassing significant runs. However, both struggled in the playoffs. Head was dismissed for a duck in both playoff matches against KKR, while Abhishek managed only two runs in the Final.

Criticism from Former Players

Two former India players have criticised SRH team management for making Abhishek Sharma face the first ball in the innings. With Mitchell Starc steaming in, it was a daunting task for the youngster, and he perished early. Former India players Mohammad Kaif and WV Raman questioned the tactics from SRH to make Abhishek face the first ball. Both believe that Travis Head should have faced the first ball.

"Why did not Head take first strike against Starc? Familiar with him, plays him in the nets several days in a year! So much to learn and I am keen," WV Raman wrote on his X profile.

Mohammad Kaif also pinpointed the approach and said it was a wrong move from the Orange Army think tank.

For final Abhishek taking first strike, and not Head, was a defensive tactic. Starc has got Head out in the past but aren't the Aussies known to take up challenges head on? Wrong move SRH.

Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif)May 26, 2024

Challenges Ahead

It will be an uphill task from here for the 2016 IPL champions to mount a competitive total as KKR are on top of their mark.