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'They Don't Have Anyone Who Can Replace Him': Sehwag Opines on SRH Opener's Struggles

image-lh8srvjaBoth Harry Brook and Mayank Agarwal have failed to impress [AP Photos]

Former Indian cricketer, Virender Sehwag, has proffered his opinion on the performance of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) opening batsman, Mayank Agarwal, in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. The legendary batter opined that SRH should not drop Agarwal from the team for the remaining fixtures of the tournament.

According to Sehwag, there is currently no viable replacement available for the right-handed batsman within the SRH squad. Furthermore, he implored the SRH management to instil confidence in the opener and offer him unrelenting support, as the player may be instrumental in achieving a turnaround for the beleaguered Hyderabad franchise.

During an interaction with Cricbuzz, Sehwag recounted SRH's pursuit of Agarwal in the IPL 2023 auction, where the team procured his services for a princely sum of ₹8.25 crore. He also alluded to the possibility of the 32-year-old being appointed as the captain of the team at one point in time, an indication of the faith that SRH had placed in the player.

"Sunrisers Hyderabad went after him at the auction and at one point it looked like they were going to appoint him as captain. They don't have anyone who can replace him at the moment. They should give him some confidence. He could return to form and win one or two matches for SRH,” said Sehwag

Agarwal has faced criticism from fans and pundits alike, owing to his inability to perform up to the expectations placed upon him. In eight games, he has scored a mere 169 runs, averaging 21.12, and has failed to provide SRH with the impetus required at the top of the order.

Despite this, Sehwag has suggested that the Hyderabad-based franchise should persist with Agarwal, as his exclusion from the team may not necessarily provide a solution to the problems faced by the team.

SRH have endured a torrid campaign thus far, securing only three victories from eight matches, leaving them languishing in the penultimate position in the IPL 2023 points table. 

The team will lock horns with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Thursday, May 4, at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, as they strive to turn their fortunes around in the remaining fixtures of the tournament.