After a subpar performance in the last season that saw Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) languishing at the bottom of the table with a disheartening tally of four wins against ten defeats, the franchise has embarked on a mission to overturn its fortunes in the 2024 Indian T20 League.
The 2024 auction marked a huge turnaround strategy for the Orange Army, highlighted by their headline acquisition of Australian World Cup-winning captain Pat Cummins for an eye-watering INR 20.75 crore.
SRH then went on to secure the services of Travis Head, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jaydev Unadkat, Akash Singh, and Jhathavedh Subramanyan with an aim for a balanced squad capable of competing for the coveted trophy.
Let’s take a detailed look at SRH’s strengths, weaknesses, last season’s struggles and measures to counter them, internal competition, and players to watch out for.
SRH Strengths
Revitalized Pace Attack
The addition of Pat Cummins is set to breathe new life into SRH's pace battery. The previous season saw Bhuvneshwar Kumar as the lone performer in a rather dim fast-bowling unit. Cummins' entry is expected to not only complement Bhuvneshwar but also forge a formidable pace trio alongside the promising Umran Malik.
A Potent Batting Core
In Travis Head, SRH has found a versatile overseas batsman capable of opening innings alongside Mayank Agarwal. The middle-order boasts the firepower of South African duo Aiden Markram and Heinrich Klaasen, both celebrated for their aggressive playstyle.
With Markram relieved from captaincy duties, his undivided focus on batting could prove invaluable. Klaasen's role as the finisher along with New Zealand's Glenn Phillips' ability to dominate bowlers and chip in with the ball, further bolsters a batting lineup brimming with match-winners.
SRH Weaknesses
Form Concerns Among Domestic Players
A significant worry for SRH is the form of its domestic players, including notable names like Abhishek Tripathi, Mayank Agarwal, Abdul Samad, Umran Malik, and Washington Sundar. Their underwhelming performances in domestic white-ball competitions such as the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy pose potential challenges for the team management's selection strategy.
The Dilemma of Overseas Talent
With the likes of Aiden Markram, Marco Jansen, Glenn Phillips, Heinrich Klaasen, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Travis Head, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Pat Cummins in the ranks, SRH faces the enviable yet complex task of balancing its overseas quota. While Cummins is a guaranteed pick as captain, deciding on the best combination for the remaining slots will be crucial for team dynamics and performance.
SRH’s Struggles Last Season and Counter Strategies
The lack of a stable opening pair was a glaring issue for SRH last season, with as many as seven different combinations tried out, failing to establish a consistent start. Addressing this uncertainty will be critical, and the management will be keen to find a reliable partner for Mayank Agarwal to ensure a strong foundation for their innings.
The underperformance of SRH's overseas contingent, barring Heinrich Klaasen, was a notable setback. However, the current season looks promising with most overseas players in form, which is welcome news for the Hyderabad based franchise.
Competition for Spots
The overseas player quota poses a significant selection headache for SRH, especially when it comes to choosing between Aiden Markram and Glenn Phillips. Given SRH's robust top order, Phillips, with his explosive batting and handy off-spin, seems a prime candidate for the finisher's role.
SRH's search for a reliable finisher has put young talents Abdul Samad and Upendra Yadav in direct competition. Both players bring a unique set of skills to the table, with Samad known for his explosive hitting and Yadav for his knack for finding gaps. The choice between them will likely come down to form and the team's tactical needs as the season progresses.
The all-rounder's position is another area of keen contest, with Washington Sundar, Shahbaz Ahmed, and Abhishek Sharma vying for a spot. Sundar, with his proven track record as handy batter and a tight off-spin bowler, is the frontrunner. However, he faces stiff competition from Shahbaz Ahmed, who offers a similar skill set with left-arm spin, and Abhishek Sharma, whose place in the team might hinge on his role as an opener.
Players to Watch
International Stars:
Pat Cummins, known for his lethal fast bowling and handy lower-order batting, is now the SRH skipper. The World Cup-winning captain comes with a hefty price tag and how he fares in the tournament will be interesting to watch. Another exciting prospect is Travis Head, who has the ability to take games away from the opposition. His explosiveness at the top makes him one of the players to watch.
Young Talents:
With his raw pace and ability to bowl consistently at speeds over 150 kmph, Umran Malik is one of the most exciting young fast bowlers in the country. After a subpar 2023 season, Malik’s performances will be closely watched in the upcoming edition. Another player to watch is Rahul Tripathi, who has a knack for playing match-winning knocks. His ability to adapt to different situations makes him a valuable player for SRH. Coming off a modest 2023 season, he will aim to make his mark in the 2024 edition.
FanCraze Fast Facts
- Formed in 2013, Sunrisers Hyderabad replaced the terminated Deccan Chargers in the league to become the new Hyderabad-based franchise.
- In 2018, SRH became the first team in the league to defend totals under 150 four times in a season.
- SRH is the only team to make the playoffs with just 12 points, a feat they achieved in 2019.
SRH Squad for 2024 Season:
Pat Cummins (c), Aiden Markram, Marco Jansen, Rahul Tripathi, Washington Sundar, Glenn Phillips, Abdul Samad, Abhishek Sharma, Sanvir Singh, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Travis Head, Mayank Agarwal, T. Natarajan, Anmolpreet Singh, Mayank Markande, Upendra Singh Yadav, Umran Malik, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Shahbaz Ahmed , Wanindu Hasaranga, Jaydev Unadkat, Jhathavedh Subramanyan, Akash Singh
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