Sunrisers Hyderabad have been one of the most consistent sides in the IPL. They had a quality run from 2016-20 where they made the playoffs every single time. SRH even won its maiden IPL title (2016) during this period. But that dream run came to a halt in 2021. Top 5 players SRH will Hunt.
They had their worst ever season as they finished last in the points table. It wasn’t just the wooden finish that hurt but the way the squad played that left much to be desired. They looked listless right throughout the tournament. SRH have faltered further failing to retain Rashid Khan and David Warner. They need to make several right chances in the auction to arrest the slide.
Top 5 players SRH will Hunt :
We look at 5 players whom SRH should target in the auction
#5 Kagiso Rabada
SRH have always lacked a specialist tearaway fast bowler. Their search could end with Kagiso Rabada. Rabada is a proven performer in the IPL. He won the purple cap in 2020. Rabada played a big part in Delhi’s resurgence in the IPL. His wicket-taking ability will serve the orange army well. He is a handy lower-order batter too who can smack a few at the end. Rabada’s presence will help Umran Malik too. SRH will fiercely bid for Rabada.
#4 Pat Cummins
Pat Cummins will be a handy sounding board for Williamson. He is a calm head who has recently tasted success as captain. Cummins is an honest trier who gives it his all in the field. SRH needs players like him in their ranks. A player who could turn the face of the game in a matter of a few overs. Cummins fits in beautifully in the leadership group too. SRH will surely try hunting him in the auctions.
#3 Shreyas Iyer
SRH have always been a top-heavy side. It has been their openers who have dictated their fortunes. They always seem to be short in the middle-order riches. SRH dearly needs someone who could take the team to safer shores. They need a player who can play both anchor and aggressor effortlessly. Shreyas Iyer is one player who is capable of donning that role. There is a lot of buzz surrounding Iyer’s price in the auctions. Expect SRH to go all out for him in the auctions.
#2 Ishan Kishan
The one area where SRH have struggled perennially is having a quality Indian batsman in the ranks. Players like Manish Pandey, Wriddhiman Saha, and Vijay Shankar have failed to carry the team ahead. SRH badly need a player who can bat across different phases of the game and explore the field 360 degrees. Ishan Kishan perfectly fits the bill. He will empower SRH’s Indian batters to play fearlessly. SRH must surely target this pocket sized dynamite.
#1 Wanindu Hasaranga
SRH’s biggest loss ahead of the auctions was failing to retain Rashid Khan. The afghan magician was a huge match winner for the Hyderabad team. SRH need to fill this gap in the auctions. Their best bet will be to onboard someone like a Wanindu Hasaranga. He is one of the best bowlers in the T20I format. Hasaranga is someone who is always up for a fight. His confidence is contagious. Hasaranga is one player who can naturally fill in for Rashid Khan. SRH will be a dynamic unit if they pick up a player of Hasaranga’s calibre.