'There were no devils in the pitch': Brian Lara's blunt assessment of SRH's failed run chase as 'they left everything too late'

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) head coach Brian Lara was disappointed with his batter’s approach to the run chase of 145 at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on April 24. Lara felt that the batters left everything too late and they should have taken advantage of powerplay overs.
 

"There were no devils in the pitch, and we could have been more proactive throughout the innings," Lara said in the post-match press conference.
 

"We left everything too late. I prefer if my batters are a bit more enterprising and take advantage in Powerplay. We allowed them to take wickets in the middle and cramp us."
 

SRH lost the wicket of Harry Brook in the powerplay overs and Rahul Tripathi was not attacking enough. In the end, Heinrich Klaasen and Washington Sundar’s cameo infused life into the run chase but Delhi Capitals (DC) pacers executed their plans well in the slog overs.
 

"The first 15 overs were crucial and we should have been in a much better position," said Lara.
 

"With the fast bowlers coming back, we could get 12 or 13 per over but these guys – Ishant Sharma, Mukesh and Nortje are professionals and they put the balls in the right areas." 
 

"However, we should have chased down that total comfortably. Our bowlers did a good job and our batters needed to do a better job."
 

With third loss in a row, SRH are placed ninth on Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 points table. With just two wins from seven games, it is a tough road ahead for SRH if they are to qualify for the playoffs.
 

"But moving on, we have seven games left and need to regroup quickly. Our backs are against the wall, and there is no doubt about that and we need to take more responsibility moving forward," the West Indian great said.
 

Brook has not lived up to expectations barring his maiden IPL century against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Skipper Aiden Markram is yet to make an impact as their batting has looked scratchy in the tournament so far. SRH will face DC in their next clash away from home on April 29.
 

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