IPL 2023: You just have to look at the form of the player – Brian Lara on Umran Malik’s omission

Sunrisers Hyderabad’s head coach Brian Lara has shed light on Umran Malik’s omission in the ongoing IPL 2023. Malik, who had hogged the limelight in the previous season after taking 22 wickets in 14 matches, hasn’t been at his best in the ongoing season.

Malik has managed only five wickets in seven matches at an average of 35.20 and an economy rate of 10.35 and he hasn’t been able to deliver the goods for the Orange Army in IPL 2023. Ergo, he hasn’t received regular chances in the playing XI for SRH.

Meanwhile, SRH were eliminated from IPL 2023 after their 34-run loss against reigning champions Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Monday.

Speaking at a post-match press conference, Brian Lara commented: “You just have to look at the form of the player. We have great expectations of Umran, and he has got Dale Steyn to work with. But we have to play each game to win. We have to put our best eleven out on the field. And now, with the Impact Player, our best 12. It’s strictly on the fact that it’s about the form of the player that we look at before picking the team.”

In fact, SRH has also given a solitary opportunity to talented Kartik Tyagi in the ongoing season. Tyagi has impressed with his pace and took one wicket in the only game he played.

“We have 25 players, and I would have liked you to ask about Tyagi because he is also a special talent and he’s only had one opportunity so far. I can’t see anything wrong in terms of selection. I just feel that every time the team gets on to the park, we are not playing the game that we are supposed to.”

Meanwhile, SRH were put under the cosh in the run-chase as they lost four wickets in the powerplay overs against Gujarat Titans. The visitors were reduced to 59-7 after nine overs and the West Indian great admitted they lost the game in the first eight overs.

“We sort of lost the game in the first 6-8 overs – unable to get a partnership together.”

Lara gave credit to Heinrich Klaasen for playing another superb knock of 64 runs off just 44 balls but his heroics with the bat went in vain.

“Klaasen, again, has to be given credit. He has been tremendous throughout the season, many times playing sort of a lone hand. Today was another exceptional innings. I sit in the dugout and I never lose hope when Klaasen is out there. He’s been special for us.”

SRH will play their penultimate match of the season against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad on Thursday.