Former Indian Test opener Wasim Jaffer showered praise on Sunrisers Hyderabad’s rookie pacer Sakib Hussain after they claimed a 33-run win against Punjab Kings at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad, on Wednesday.
Hussain returned with figures of 1-40 in his four overs against PBKS when his team was defending a target of 236. The youngster accounted for Shashank Singh in his fine spell.
Hussain has snared 10 wickets in seven matches at an average of 24.30 and an economy rate of 9.34 in the ongoing IPL 2026. Jaffer said Hussain has been the find of the season for SRH along with Ehsan Malinga, who has scalped 16 wickets in 11 matches.
“I think Sakib Hussain is the find of the season for SRH. Ehsan Malinga as well. He was getting hit at the start but has been a revolution. SRH’s bowling has stepped up a lot. If the bowling complements the batting like this, then they are a team to beat. Sunrisers have almost confirmed their playoffs spot now and will aim to finish in the top two,” Jaffer said on his YouTube channel.
The former flamboyant batter reckons SRH have a great chance of going all the way in the tournament as they are ticking all the right boxes.
“SRH have everything to win the title. Their batting is going good. The openers are giving good starts. Others are in good form as well. Almost the entire team is in form. What else do you need? The bowling has been good too. They have it all and can go all the way. To win the championship, luck factor is also a bit important. If they get that too, they can certainly go all the way,” he stated.
On the other hand, Jaffer slammed PBKS’ fielding effort against SRH. PBKS dropped three catches and missed one stumping chance on Wednesday.
“It looks like Punjab is shaking a bit now. Their fielding and catching was terrible. If you leave such chances against a dangerous batting line-up, what do you expect then? They will obviously not spare you. The bowling was also not up to the mark. SRH played an effortless game and gave Punjab no chance. These are some worrying signs for Punjab. Even though they are comfortably placed, you want momentum on your side before the playoffs. They are not that unbeatable side anymore,” he said.
Punjab Kings will next take on Delhi Capitals at Dharamsala on Monday.
