What is Happening to Harry Brook? The 13.25 Crore Buy Fails to Impress Yet Again
Harry Brook has just scored 29 runs in 3 matches [AP Photos]
When SRH bought the services of Harry Brook for IPL 2023, everyone called it a master-stroke, but little did SRH franchise knew, that the decision will turn into their biggest nightmare.
3 matches, 29 runs, strike-rate of 74 and consistent struggle against quality spin attack. This has been Brook's mini IPL journey so far. The same Harry Brook toyed with bowlers in other franchise leagues and has been in god level mode at the international stage.
One Argument can be made that Brook has played the majority of his cricket in England, a place known for swing bowling and players hardly get to face quality spinners. But is this a proper justification to shield Harry Brook?
So far in 3 matches, he has played in three different positions (No 4, No 5 and opening position), and has failed to acclimatised each time he has walked out to bat. Seems like the pressure of 13.25 crore is a baggage on his shoulder and the weight is too much to handle.
The opposition camp has dissected on how to trap the Englishman. In the first match, chasing well above 200 against Rajasthan Royals, Sanju Samson introduced Yuzvendra Chahal and the decision paid off instantly as the leg spinner knocked him over with the scoreboard pressure taking a toll on him.
In the second game against LSG, the pitch was already on the slower side and that didn't help Brook's cause as the batter failed to inspire his side once again and faltered in front of Ravi Bishnoi (another leg spinner).
In the last game against PBKS, he was asked to open by skipper Aiden Markram, in the hope that Brook can utilise the new ball to perfection. But after facing 14 balls and striking three fours, Arshdeep Singh knocked him over as Brook yet again showed that big money fetch don't always work in your favour.
With the backs against the walls, Harry Brook has found an admirer in former SRH head coach, Tom Moody, who backs Brook to crack the IPL code.
His next chance will come against another spin heavy side in KKR on Friday.
.jpg "Key battles: RCB vs LSG")
 "Anurag Dasgupta")
