Former India cricketer has identified Sunrisers Hyderabad's lower middle order as a potential weakness ahead of IPL 2025. He pointed out that the franchise might have to rely on two relatively inexperienced Indian batters at No. 6 and No. 7, which could pose a challenge.  

SRH, who finished as runners-up in IPL 2024, retained key top-order players, including captain Pat Cummins, Heinrich Klaasen, Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, and Nitish Kumar Reddy, before the mega-auction. Nevertheless, they were unable to significantly strengthen their middle order at the auction, leaving a possible gap in their batting depth.  

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra, the former India opener, highlighted this concern, suggesting that the team’s lower middle order could be tested in high-pressure situations during the season.

"If you get past the top five, somehow you dismiss the top five below 125 to 150 runs or so, then they can find themselves in a spot of bother. I am saying that because either Abhinav Manohar will play at No.6, or you have the options of Aniket Verma and Sachin Baby," he said.

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"Although Pat Cummins can come to bat, but even if Pat Cummins bats at No. 7, it's one number higher than where he should be. So they need two batters at Nos. 6 and 7, and both will be Indians. They are difficult spots to bat. If you keep your most inexperienced players there, it could be a slight problem. This is a potential weakness," Chopra added.

In the same video, Aakash Chopra shed light on the availability of and the uncertainty that might be caused in the team. What's the scene with Pat Cummins' injury? He missed the Champions Trophy just now. Will he be available for the entire season? If he isn't available, there could be a slight leadership void. Who will you suddenly make the captain?" he said

He also mentioned Henrich Klassen as the potential candidate to replace Pat Cummins as the skipper if he chooses to step out of the tournament. "What's the scene with Pat Cummins' injury? He missed the Champions Trophy just now. Will he be available for the entire season? If he isn't available, there could be a slight leadership void. Who will you suddenly make the captain?" he said.