As IPL 2026 approaches, Sunrisers Hyderabad appear to have built one of the tournament’s most formidable batting lineups. But questions over their bowling depth could shape the team’s campaign, according to former India cricketer Aakash Chopra.
The franchise has assembled an aggressive top order, with multiple power hitters capable of posting high totals. Yet the imbalance between bat and ball remains a concern.
“If they score 250, they might concede 250,” Chopra said, pointing to what he described as a structural weakness in the squad.
The concern stems from a lack of proven bowling options. Regular captain Pat Cummins is expected to miss the initial phase of the tournament due to workload management, while the team also parted ways with experienced pacer Mohammed Shami ahead of the season.
That has left Sunrisers Hyderabad with a relatively inexperienced bowling attack, raising doubts about their ability to defend totals in what is typically a high-scoring competition.
Uncertainty around the availability of overseas fast bowler Eshan Malinga has added to the challenge, further narrowing the team’s options.
The issue highlights a broader dynamic in T20 cricket, where teams increasingly prioritise batting depth, often at the expense of bowling balance. In a tournament like the IPL, where matches can hinge on a few overs, that trade-off can prove decisive.
Sunrisers Hyderabad will rely on their coaching setup, including bowling coach Varun Aaron, to address these gaps as the season unfolds. But the margin for error is likely to be slim.
For now, the team enters IPL 2026 with a clear identity built around batting firepower. Whether that approach can compensate for vulnerabilities with the ball remains an open question.
