Former Australian World Cup-winning captain Michael Clarke has criticized the Sunrisers Hyderabad middle-order batters for their dependence on openers Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma. Clarke commented after SRH’s disappointing defeat to the five-time champions, Mumbai Indians, on April 17 in IPL 2025.

While Head and Abhishek provided a strong start with a 59-run opening partnership, the middle order again failed to build on the momentum. Speaking on Star Sports after the match, the 44-year-old pointed out that the team’s continued reliance on the opening pair has been a persistent problem this season and has not produced the desired results.

“I believe what we’re seeing this season is a consistent trend. When the SRH openers fail to perform, the middle order hasn’t been able to step up. It’s all about gaining momentum, forming partnerships, and carrying the innings forward, but so far, they haven’t figured out how to do that,” Clarke said.

“You can’t rely on your openers to deliver in every game. Last season, they performed in almost all the matches, but this year has been different. This is a real chance for the middle order but they haven’t seized it. That’s definitely an area SRH needs to improve,” he added.

The 2016 IPL champions set a modest total of 163 on a batting-friendly pitch, but five-time champions Mumbai Indians easily chased it down, reaching the target with 11 balls to spare. The middle order, comprising Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen, and Nitish Kumar Reddy, failed to contribute significantly. Klaasen was the top scorer for SRH, making 37 off 28 balls, but his innings lacked intent and aggression.

SRH’s innings began to collapse after opener Abhishek was dismissed in the 8th over. Clarke criticised the middle order for not taking control, especially after the strong start from the openers.

SRH are under pressure after two wins from seven matches. The 2024 runners-up have dropped to ninth place, raising concerns over their batting depth.