Kris Srikkanth Critiques SunRisers Hyderabad's IPL 2026 Auction Strategy

Kris Srikkanth has sharply criticized SunRisers Hyderabad's auction strategy for IPL 2026, highlighting their focus on acquiring Liam Livingstone while neglecting crucial bowling issues. He questions the logic behind the hefty bid for Livingstone, given the team's existing batting strength. Additionally, Srikkanth expresses disappointment over the Gujarat Titans' failure to address their middle-order vulnerabilities during the auction. With insights into both teams' strategies, Srikkanth's analysis raises important questions about their future performance in the league.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 17, 2025, 17:15 IST

Srikkanth's Concerns Over SRH's Auction Choices

Kris Srikkanth, a former opener for India, has voiced strong criticism regarding the auction strategy of SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) for IPL 2026. He believes the franchise has neglected significant bowling deficiencies while prioritizing Liam Livingstone as their key acquisition. Despite having a robust batting lineup, SRH allocated ₹13 crore for Livingstone, a decision Srikkanth feels does not address the team's primary weakness from the previous season.

Questioning the Logic Behind the Bid

In a discussion on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth raised questions about the rationale and timing of the bid for Livingstone, pointing out that he had previously gone unsold at his base price. He remarked, "Livingstone was available for 2 crores if they had decided to pursue him earlier." He further emphasized the pressing issue: "While their batting lineup is impressive, who will handle the bowling for them? Is Livingstone truly necessary for SRH?"

SRH's Recent Performance and Auction Strategy

Srikkanth connected his critique to SRH's recent performance trajectory. Following a remarkable 2024 season where they finished as runners-up, the team failed to qualify for the playoffs in 2025, ending up in sixth place. He noted, "They released Shami, but who will fill that gap? Better planning was needed, especially since they had a strong team. However, despite being considered a good side, they did not qualify last year, similar to CSK's struggles."

Livingstone's Recent Performance

Livingstone joins SRH after a title-winning season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2025, although his individual performance was underwhelming, averaging just 16 in 10 matches. Srikkanth argued that SRH still requires experienced IPL bowlers, an area he believes remains unaddressed despite being crucial to last season's challenges.

Gujarat Titans' Auction Decisions Under Scrutiny

Shifting focus to the Gujarat Titans, Srikkanth expressed disappointment over what he perceives as a missed chance to strengthen their middle order during the IPL 2026 auction. He noted that the Titans relied heavily on their top three—Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler—in 2025. "They did not tackle their middle-order issues at all. Their qualification last season was solely due to their top three," he stated, suggesting that GT should have pursued specific players to fill that gap. "Are there no capable middle-order batsmen available globally? Livingstone would have been a perfect fit for them."

Gujarat Titans' Limited Acquisitions

The Titans secured only five players in the auction, with Jason Holder being their most expensive acquisition at ₹7 crore. After reaching the playoffs in 2025, they were eliminated by the Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator. According to Srikkanth, the auction results indicate that the Titans' middle-order weaknesses may continue unless they take decisive action.