“Those two always get hit for runs” – Manoj Tiwary slams uncapped Indian duo after SRH vs RCB IPL 2026 

Former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary questioned the prowess of the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) spin bowling unit, which comprises young names like Shivang Kumar and Harsh Dubey. The pair have picked up only 16 wickets in the entire Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 campaign so far after bowling 59 overs.

Shivang Kumar had a forgettable recent outing against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at home, where he returned figures of 0-32 off just two overs. After being introduced into the attack in the powerplay, he conceded four boundaries in his first over against Venkatesh Iyer.

Harsh Dubey, on the other hand, last featured in the home clash against the Punjab Kings (PBKS), at the start of the month.

Former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary noted that SRH’s weak spin bowling unit could prove to be their downfall in the playoffs.

“They are a serious darkhorse. If you look at their team from top to bottom, it is filled with ability, all of them are match-winners. Their batting unit is set, but their spin department, that is the only weak link that appears. Shivang Kumar got hit for runs today, then there is Harsh Dubey, so those two always get hit for runs,” he said on Cricbuzz.

Despite finishing with the same points tally as RCB and GT in the table, SRH will have to go the long way round in the playoffs as they finished third in terms of net run-rate. The Pat Cummins-led side had to defeat their Southern Rivals by a significant margin to ensure a place in the top two, and the Qualifier 1.

Although they ended their league stage phase with a decisive 55-run win, it did not prove to be enough. They will now face the team that finishes fourth in the Eliminator in Mullanpur, on Wednesday, May 27.

“It is a good thing that they are not playing in Dharamshala” – Virender Sehwag reveals silver lining for SRH after not finishing in the top two

Former India cricketer Virender Sehwag noted that SRH are better off playing in Mullanpur, which hosts the Eliminator and Qualifier 2 in the playoffs, compared to Dharamshala, which will play host to Qualifier 1.

“SRH’s bowling keeps conceding over 200. The thing is their batting needs to compensate for it. It is a good thing that they are not playing in Dharamshala. They will be playing in Mullanpur, and over there it is a bigger ground, so that may be helpful for the bowlers. If they can keep teams under 200, then it will be easier for the batters to chase down as well. I would not say that the bowling is horrible, but it is okay, and they are used to being hot for 200,” he opined.

SRH have played twice at the venue in New Chandigarh, winning once and losing once. Earlier this season, they lost to Punjab Kings (PBKS) by six wickets at the stadium, despite posting 219 on the board in the afternoon encounter.