Irfan Pathan Pinpoints SRH's Powerplay Batting as Key Reason Behind IPL 2026 Opening Loss
Pathan highlighted SRH's failure to rebuild after early wickets as their biggest undoing against RCB.
Irfan Pathan has pointed out key shortcomings in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s performance following their six-wicket defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the opening match of the Indian Premier League 2026. The match, held at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, saw SRH struggle to gain momentum, particularly during the crucial early overs.
Analysing the game, Pathan highlighted the team’s ineffective approach in the powerplay as a major concern. He noted that early wickets disrupted SRH’s batting rhythm, preventing them from building a strong foundation. According to him, losing wickets at regular intervals forced the team into a defensive mode, which ultimately impacted their ability to post a competitive total on the board.
Pathan also drew attention to SRH’s bowling performance, stating that it lacked the penetration needed to challenge RCB’s batting lineup. Despite having experienced players, the bowling unit failed to apply sustained pressure, allowing the opposition to chase down the target comfortably. The former all-rounder stressed that both batting and bowling departments need immediate improvement.
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Echoing post-match remarks by Ishan Kishan, Pathan emphasised the importance of adapting strategy during the powerplay. He suggested that players must show greater responsibility when early wickets fall, rather than continuing an aggressive approach without stability. As the tournament progresses, SRH will need to address these issues quickly to remain competitive in the league.
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