Former India captain Kris Srikkanth criticised SRH's tactics at IPL 2026 auction for not strengthening their bowling unit, asking, "Who'll bowl the 20 overs for [SRH]?" He noted that SRH has a great batting lineup and criticised their ₹13-crore acquisition of England all-rounder Liam Livingstone. "They let go of Mohammad Shami. Who's the replacement for Shami?" Srikkanth added.