New Delhi, March 14 (NationPress) Former Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara has highlighted a significant issue for Sunrisers Hyderabad as they gear up for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, starting on March 28. Pujara emphasized the necessity for SRH to overcome their away match difficulties, despite having one of the league's most formidable batting line-ups.

Pujara noted that while SRH frequently achieves impressive scores at their home ground in Hyderabad, they struggle to maintain that same aggressive style when competing in other stadiums. He believes that rival teams have recognized SRH's reliance on their top-order hitters and have adapted their strategies to limit their performance in away games.

“SRH is a highly explosive team that racks up runs when playing at home in Hyderabad. However, their record in away matches is quite dismal. They often lose their aggressive batting approach when playing outside their home turf,” Pujara stated during an interview with Jio Hotstar.

“This is largely because all teams are aware that SRH depends on their batting prowess to establish substantial totals. Players like Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, and Heinrich Klaasen are the core of their batting lineup. Once they are dismissed, SRH tends to falter. That is where opposing teams capitalize and prevent them from achieving big scores. This is an area they definitely need to improve upon,” he elaborated.

Additionally, Pujara commended the opening duo of Abhishek and Head, regarding them as one of the most fearsome pairs seen in the league.

“In recent seasons, the performance of the Sunrisers Hyderabad's openers, Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head, has undoubtedly showcased them as one of the most destructive opening pairs in IPL history. Both players are adept at attacking from the very first ball,” he mentioned.

“Thanks to them, SRH has consistently exceeded the 250-run mark in the past few seasons. No other IPL team has achieved this level of consistency. Their ability to hit the ball all over the ground and do so regularly is what sets them apart,” he added.

“When discussing aggressive opening pairs in the IPL, names like Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli come to mind. However, the combination of Head and Abhishek is even more formidable. No bowler wishes to face an opening pair like Abhishek and Head,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, SRH had a disappointing previous season, winning only six out of 14 matches, placing them in 6th position, with their opening duo also facing challenges in scoring runs.