IPL 2020: SRH aim to address the middle-order muddle during the auctions
Sunrisers Hyderabad have been one of the most consistent franchises in terms of performances over the past few years in the IPL. They have operated like a well-oiled machine, with a strong leadership group being at the core of their success. But there have been a few chinks in the armour, which has stopped them from becoming a dominant force. With an auction purse of only 17 crores, they will have to play it smart in order to attain their targets.
Here we took a look at a few areas in the squad which they will look to address during the IPL auctions:
Strengthen the middle order
Too often, SRH have come undone in the middle-overs, despite their openers David Warner and Jonny Bairstow getting them off to blistering starts. Kane Williamson and Manish Pandey are solid players, but too similar in their approach to accelerate the innings when required. They need an experienced campaigner who can bat in the middle and finish off the innings in style. Eoin Morgan and Glenn Maxwell with their international experience and hitting prowess fit the bill perfectly and will undoubtedly be monitored by the SRH management.
Also read: CSK look for minor tweaks at the auctions
Get in a quality all-rounder
SRH have released both Yusuf Pathan and Deepak Hooda who were handy contributors both with the bat and the ball. Shakib Al Hasan due to his international suspension has also been let go. The team management will need to fill this void as Vijay Shankar and Mohammad Nabi remain the only genuine all-round options in the squad. Getting in someone who could pitch in with 4 overs and swing the willow in the death overs will be of paramount importance in their auction strategy. Ben Cutting and Chris Morris will be two options who SRH could go after in order to address their needs.
Depth in the pace bowling unit
On paper, SRH look well-stocked in their fast-bowling reserves. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed, Siddarth Kaul, Sandeep Sharma and Basil Thampi are all proven IPL performers. Billy Stanlake provides them with raw pace. But a closer look suggests that some surgery needs to done in this department. Bhuvneshwar has struggled with his fitness. Khaleel is going through a torrid patch in international cricket. The likes of Kaul and Thampi have not progressed as expected. Stanlake too remains injury-prone. SRH thus could well look to add some more depth in their pace bowling options. Jaydev Unadkat, despite poor returns during the last season, could interest them due to the variety he provides.
