The recent seasons have been dismal for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), culminating in a particularly underwhelming performance last season where they found themselves at the bottom of the league table. They managed just four wins against ten losses which called for a significant overhaul.
Heading into the 2024 Indian T20 League, SRH has initiated a bold turnaround strategy, beginning with the high-profile acquisition of Australian World Cup-winning captain Pat Cummins during the auction. This move highlighted their intent to rebuild and reposition themselves as serious contenders.
Furthermore, SRH bolstered their squad by adding Travis Head, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jaydev Unadkat, Akash Singh, and Jhathavedh Subramanyan with an aim to construct a well-rounded team set to challenge for the prestigious title.
At FanCraze, we take a look at SRH’s probable playing XI for the 2024 edition:
Mayank Agarwal
Sunrisers Hyderabad has shown faith in Mayank Agarwal, retaining him for the 2024 season despite a subpar performance last year, where he scored 270 runs in ten matches at an average of 27.00 and a strike rate of 128.57. Having debuted for SRH in 2023, Agarwal's recent seasons haven't been impressive, adding pressure for a strong comeback in 2024.
Travis Head
Travis Head's remarkable performances in 2023, leading Australia to World Test Championship glory and a World Cup victory, caught the attention of SRH, who secured his services for the 2024 season. Having last played in the league six years ago for Royal Challengers Bangalore, where he scored 151 runs in seven matches, Head's return to the tournameny with SRH is eagerly anticipated.
Rahul Tripathi
Despite a mediocre 2023 season with 273 runs in 13 matches, SRH has retained Rahul Tripathi, banking on his extensive domestic experience. Tripathi, known for his aggressive batting, had an average performance in the 2023-24 domestic seasons but is expected to bounce back. At 32, his role in bolstering SRH's top order alongside Agarwal and Head will be crucial for the team's title aspirations.
Aiden Markram/ Glenn Phillips
Aiden Markram, who led SRH in the 2023 edition without much success, will now focus solely on his batting after handing over the captaincy to Pat Cummins. Last season, Markram scored 248 runs in 13 matches, reflecting the pressure of leadership. Free from captaincy duties, Markram's contribution as a batter will be vital for SRH as they aim for a turnaround in the upcoming season.
Glenn Phillips stands as a formidable backup option for SRH, should Markram not meet performance expectations in the upcoming season. With his versatile batting skills and proven track record in international cricket, Phillips brings a dynamic edge to the team's batting lineup. Additionally, Phillips' handy bowling can give captain Cummins a quick couple of overs.
Heinrich Klaasen (WK)
Heinrich Klaasen was a revelation for SRH in 2023, scoring 448 runs at a strike rate of 177.07. His explosive batting in the middle order made him an essential player for the team. As SRH aims for the 2024 trophy, Klaasen's role as a finisher will be critical, given his ability to change the game in the late overs with his aggressive play.
Washington Sundar
Despite a disappointing 2023 season with only 60 runs and three wickets for SRH, Washington Sundar has been retained for 2024. Known for his all-round capabilities, Sundar will lead the spin attack and is expected to improve his contributions with both bat and ball. His performance will be key in strengthening SRH's middle order and bowling lineup.
Abdul Samad
Abdul Samad showed potential last year, scoring 169 runs at an average of 42.25. Noted for his aggressive batting, Samad displayed his capability to finish games. As SRH aims for success in the 2024 season, Samad's role as a finisher could be crucial in securing vital wins for the team.
Pat Cummins (C)
Acquired for a hefty sum, Pat Cummins is set to lead SRH in the 2024 season, bringing his leadership experience from Australia's recent wins in the World Test Championship and World Cup. His all-round skills and strategic mindset will be central to SRH's campaign, with the team hoping his leadership can steer them to glory.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
As SRH's leading wicket-taker in the previous season with 16 scalps, Bhuvneshwar Kumar will once again spearhead the fast-bowling attack. Despite a slow start in 2023, his return to form was crucial for the team. Kumar's experience and ability to swing the ball will be instrumental in SRH's pursuit of the 2024 title.
Umran Malik/ T. Natarajan
Known for his blistering pace, Umran Malik will aim to refine his skills for the 2024 season. Despite taking only five wickets in eight matches last year, his potential is unquestionable. Learning from the likes of Cummins, Malik's focus will be on improving his economy while maintaining his wicket-taking ability, crucial for strengthening SRH's pace attack.
T. Natarajan offers a backup option for SRH if Malik's performance falters in the upcoming season. Known for his exceptional death bowling skills, Natarajan's precision and ability to deliver yorkers at will make him a potent force in the crucial final overs of a match. Unlike Malik, whose pace is his primary weapon, Natarajan brings a different set of skills with his focus on accuracy and variations.
Mayank Markande
Mayank Markrande will continue to play a key role in SRH's spin department in the 2024 season, following a commendable performance last year where he claimed 12 wickets across ten matches. His economical bowling at an impressive rate of 7.89, proved vital for SRH, earning him a spot in the retained list. SRH will rely on his spin to disrupt the opposition's batting lineup.
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