IPL 2023: 3 reasons why Harry Brook might struggle

Throughout the past year, Harry Brook has been among the top young male cricketers in the world. His Test career has gotten off to an incredible start, with 809 runs scored in 6 matches at an average of 80.90, including 4 hundreds and 3 half-centuries in just 10 innings.

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He has, however, had a terrible IPL debut. He faced the Rajasthan Royals at number four and made 13 from 21 balls before being dismissed by Yuzvendra Chahal. After being stumped by wrist-spinner Ravi Bishnoi's delivery in the subsequent innings, he only scored three runs off of four balls against LSG.

Here are three possible explanations for why Brook might have trouble in the IPL this year.

3. No experience playing in India

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Harry Brook, England (Source: Twitter)

Harry Brook has been hailed as the upcoming superstar by numerous cricket gurus. Cricket is, nevertheless, a challenging sport in India. A rookie player making his career debut here may find the intensity and craziness of this nation, where cricket is a religion.

The IPL is by far the top domestic T20 cricket competition. The weight of the player's expectations immediately rises under the strain of the price tag. As a result, a few setbacks could prevent the player from engaging in their natural game. Being from England, where spin does not play a significant role in a young batter's development, he is also unfamiliar with Indian conditions.

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2. Not a good player of spin

Brook, SRH (Source: Twitter)

Harry Brook has dominated all bowling styles in the longest format until now, but that cannot be true of T20s. He has a staggering strike rate of 160.84 and is incredibly dominant against fast bowlers, hitting 1403 runs at an average of 37.07. Yet when spin bowling is used, the average and strike rate fall to 26.84 and 127.48, respectively.

Having scored 311 runs at an average of 18.29 and a strike rate of 117.80, Brook struggles most against wrist spin. This suggests he cannot defend his wicket and score swiftly when facing spinners.

1. SRH's terrible top-order

Brook, IPL (Source: Twitter)

Following the auction, it appeared like SRH had one of the stronger batting lineups. They have a group of courageous players who are unafraid to challenge any bowler. The first two games, however, have not gone their way.

Mayank Agarwal had a poor season with the Punjab Kings the previous year. Though it could be too early to tell, he doesn't seem to be at his best. How Aiden Markram will fare in his debut campaign leading SRH remains to be seen. In contrast to LSG, Rahul Tripathi also came off as strange. This can restrict Brook from playing his attacking brand of cricket.