The Sunrisers Hyderabad may have been knocked out of the playoff race in the ongoing IPL 2023, but they will try to beat Royal Challengers Bangalore when both sides meet on Thursday night. They were eliminated from the race earlier this week when they faced a 34-run loss to top-placed Gujarat Titans as well; they are currently at the bottom of the points table too, going down to the 10th spot on Wednesday after Delhi Capitals beat the Punjab Kings as well.

However, they made a blunder by dropping Umran Malik from the playing XI after the initial few games of the season due to his poor form. While he had a stunning season last year, he failed to leave a mark in IPL 2023 and former all-rounder Yusuf Pathan criticised the side’s call to sideline Umran as well.

“Last year, Umran Malik performed really well, and you all took credit for that. But this year, he needed your support. But did he get that? Was he utilised properly? He is a young bowler, he is India’s future. And he has played well for India whenever he turned up in international colours. You haven’t used him properly, and the same can be said for many players in the franchise,” Yusuf Pathan told ESPNCricinfo ahead of the side’s game against RCB.

“You should know when to back your players. If you talk about Abhishek Sharma… you played him as an opener last year and he did well. But this year, you juggled with his batting positions, and even benched him at one point. You’re supposed to play with opposition’s mind, not with your own players’!” Yusuf Pathan further said.

However, SRH will end their campaign this season against Mumbai Indians – who are also finding a playoff spot – on May 21 as well.