If you don’t trust Umran Malik as a bowler, better to bring in a batsman to the team: Wasim Jaffer

Former India batter Wasim Jaffer questioned Sunrisers Hyderabad's (SRH) use of fast bowler Umran Malik in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). SRH lost against Delhi Capitals (DC) by seven runs on Monday, April 24 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, marking their fifth defeat in the IPL 2023. With four points, the 2016 IPL champions are currently ranked ninth in the IPL 2023 points table. 

Jaffer said that SRH would be better off adding a batter to the team if they don't have enough confidence in Malik's bowling skills. Malik only bowled two overs during SRH's recent encounter against DC at Hyderabad and he conceded only 14 runs without taking a wicket. In seven games this season, the 23-year-old bowler has grabbed five wickets so far.
 
“SRH are playing Umran Malik, but he bowled only two overs in the match against Delhi. Instead of him, they could have played a batter. If you don’t trust him as a bowler, it’s better to bring in a batsman to the team," Jaffer  told ESPNcricinfo.

“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," he added.

Harry Brook could bat at four or five: Jaffer

Even though SRH has a good batting lineup, they are yet to perform well with the bat. Jaffer said that SRH should change their batting order, suggesting that England batter Harry Brook could bat lower in the order. The 45-year-old also stated that the 2016 champions must enhance their batting combination to get better outcomes in their forthcoming matches. 

“Looking at their batting order, I feel Abhishek Sharma is a better option as an opener. Most of his runs for SRH have come as an opener. He is batting out of position [in the middle-order]. Harry Brook could bat at four or five. That will strengthen their lower-order batting. With the likes of Aiden Markram, Brook and Heinrich Klaasen, their batting in the middle and death overs will become strong. They will need to improve their batting combination and their batting order," the former cricketer added.

Coming to the match, DC skipper David Warner won the toss and opted to bat first. Late strikes from Manish Pandey (34 off 27) and Axar Patel (34 off 34) guided DC to post 144/9. Chasing the target, Aiden Markram and Co. were restricted to 137/6 in 20 overs.