In the first two matches of SRH’s IPL 2023 campaign, Harry Brook was used in the middle order. Batting at No.4 against RR, he struggled to get going and was dismissed for a 21-ball 13. Against LSG he came out at No.5 and lasted only four deliveries for his 3. On both occasions, he fell to wrist spinners.

Speaking to the IPL broadcasters after picking up his Player of the Match award, Brook said –

“I think I was putting pressure on myself after the first few games. If you go on social media, people are calling you rubbish and you start to slightly doubt yourself a little bit.” Despite his Test cricket taking off in exemplary fashion and entering the IPL on the back of a truckload of runs in the T20 format as well, he wasn’t able to hit the straps in the Indian league straightaway.

People, especially on social media, were quick to criticise him. But Brook put all that to rest with a terrific 100 not out off only 55 deliveries at the Eden Gardens on Friday (April 14) to set the platform for SRH’s 23-run victory against Kolkata Knight Riders.

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Brook added –

“But I just went out there with a ‘I don’t care’ mentality tonight and thankfully came up. There are a lot of Indian fans out there (on social media) who are going to say ‘well done tonight’ but they were slagging me off a few days ago. Glad I could shut them up.”