Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) faced criticism during the IPL 2026 auction for what some analysts and fans perceived as a questionable strategy. The franchise's decision to spend a significant ₹13 crore on England all-rounder Liam Livingstone while seemingly neglecting to secure a like-for-like replacement for Mohammed Shami drew raised eyebrows.
Shami, who was acquired by SRH for ₹10 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction, was later traded to Lucknow Super Giants. While Shami's skills as a bowler are well known, he was unable to participate in the previous IPL season because he was recovering from Achilles tendon surgery. This trade left a void in SRH's pace attack, particularly in the death overs, where Shami excels.
Livingstone, while a proven T20 player with vast experience, comes with his own set of question marks. He was released by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) despite their title win in IPL 2025, a season where he scored just 112 runs in eight innings. However, his strong performances in English domestic cricket, including The Hundred and T20 Blast, helped him regain value. Overall, Livingstone has 1,051 runs from 49 IPL matches with a strike rate of 158.76.
The debate centers around whether Livingstone sufficiently addresses SRH's needs, considering the hefty price tag. Some argue that SRH overspent on an all-rounder when a specialist fast bowler could have provided more immediate value, especially given Shami's departure. Others highlight Livingstone's versatility, noting his ability to contribute with both bat and ball, and his potential to strengthen the middle order. He can bowl with either his leg or off-hand, depending on the situation.
Adding to the discussion is SRH's overall auction strategy, which prioritized squad depth and uncapped Indian players. The team acquired wicketkeeper-batter Salil Arora for ₹1.50 crore and several uncapped players at their base price of ₹30 lakh each, including Shivang Kumar, Shakib Hussain, Onkar Tukaram Tarmale, Amit Kumar, Praful Hinge and Krains Fuletra. They also picked up Jack Edwards for ₹3 crore and Shivam Mavi for ₹75 lakh. This approach suggests a focus on building a well-rounded team with multiple options rather than relying heavily on a few marquee players.
Ultimately, the success of SRH's auction strategy will depend on how well the new acquisitions perform on the field. While Livingstone brings a wealth of T20 experience and a reputation for explosive hitting, the pressure will be on him to justify his price tag and fill the void in the middle order. Whether SRH's decision to invest heavily in Livingstone at the expense of a frontline fast bowler proves to be a masterstroke or a miscalculation remains to be seen.
