One of the most consistent teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL) history, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), have made it to the Playoffs in six of their eight completed editions. This includes a Playoffs appearance every time between 2016 and 2020, winning the title in 2016, and finishing runners-up in 2018.
However, things have taken a drastic turn this season as they find themselves at the last spot, with just one win from their seven outings.
Hyderabad have used 21 players in seven matches, and sacked David Warner as captain. Jonny Bairstow, their best player of the 2021 edition so far, has now opted out. They have roped in Sherfane Rutherford, one of the stars for St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, in their maiden CPL win.
SRH squad: Kane Williamson (c), Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Shreevats Goswami (wk), David Warner, Kedar Jadhav (wk), Abdul Samad, Abhishek Sharma, Khaleel Ahmed, Basil Thampi, Priyam Garg, Jason Holder, Manish Pandey, Siddarth Kaul, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Shahbaz Nadeem, T. Natarajan, Jason Roy, Rashid Khan, Shrefane Rutherford, Sandeep Sharma, Vijay Shankar, Jagadeesha Suchith, Virat Singh
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SWOT Analysis of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for IPL 2021
Strengths
Hard to find any with six losses from seven matches, but generally, Hyderabad have relied on Warner and Rashid’s success. They will hope the same continues.
If Warner’s form issues persist, then Hyderabad have an able replacement in Jason Roy.
Williamson is a proven leader in international cricket. Even in Warner’s absence in 2018, he led SRH to the final. At the moment, he remains the backbone of the side’s batting, and they will hope his captaincy will have some magic potion to turn things around.
https://twitter.com/SunRisers/status/1438159642991886341?s=20
Saha coming in for Bairstow at the top may be a blessing in disguise. Quite underrated with bat in hand, Saha had turned around SRH’s campaign last year on the slow UAE surfaces with his blistering innings. He played four matches, averaged over 71, striking at 140.
Led by Bhuvneshwar, SRH have a versatile bowling attack. Bhuvneshwar, Sandeep, Natarajan, Khaleel, Holder and Kaul are proven pace options, whereas their spin attack comprises eminent names like Rashid, Mujeeb, Abhishek, Nabi, Suchith and Nadeem.
Weakness
SRH’s batting in the first phase relied entirely on Bairstow until Williamson returned from injury. Warner and Pandey got runs but failed to accelerate, putting pressure on a fragile middle-order.
Despite their prowess and experience, Indian stars like Jadhav and Shankar have struggled with consistency and failed to rise on most occasions. Therefore, there has always been overdependence on Warner, Rashid, Pandey, Bhuvneshwar and Williamson.
Abhishek, Garg and Samad need to rise and make it count like Devdutt Padikkal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Prithvi Shaw, Ravi Bishnoi or Riyan Parag.
Opportunity
There are plenty of opportunities for batters to cement a spot in the struggling middle-order and make it theirs. Jadhav, Shankar, Abhishek, Garg and Samad can make a strong case for national contention and the next year’s mega auction.
Natarajan’s return from injury is a boost. His rise from a T20 bowler last year to a Test cricketer remains one of the most fascinating stories of Indian cricket. After his performance in Australia, one would think he had done enough to merit a spot in the T20 World Cup squad.
That didn’t happen, but with teams allowed to change squads till 10 October, here is an opportunity for him to prove his case.
With nothing to lose, SRH can afford to experiment. Warner, a good player against spin, can move down the order to accommodate Roy at the top. That will strengthen the middle order, with Williamson, Pandey and Warner. The presence of a left-hander will be furthermore beneficial.
In recent times, Headingley, Durban, Brisbane and Chattogram have witnessed incredible turnarounds with the blend of skills and mental strength. Even the Mumbai Indians story from 2014 IPL was fascinating. Here is SRH’s chance to script folklore by securing a Playoff qualification from a seemingly impossible position.
Threats
SRH will hope there is no friction between the team management and Warner. His unceremonious sacking, who has been their No. 1 hero, has not left a good taste.
Power-hitting has been an issue for SRH. Bairstow’s exit has compounded the problem. They need to redefine the roles. The team needs to bat around Williamson, while Warner must return to being the dominant aggressor, Pandey has to bat with more freedom, and Nabi should lead the charge at the death. Mitchell Marsh, who has been in terrific form, is a player they will miss the most.
Bhuvneshwar’s form was an issue in the first phase. However, he had a good Sri Lanka tour and will hope to carry the success.
Saha, Natarajan and Bhuvneshwar are also prone to injuries. That is not something SRH can afford at this stage.
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SRH’s likely starting XI: David Warner, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Kane Williamson (c), Manish Pandey, Kedar Jadhav/Abhishek Sharma/Vijay Shankar (two out of the three), Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Sandeep Sharma, T. Natarajan
SRH’s remaining fixtures
- Wednesday, 22 September: SRH vs DC (Dubai)
- Saturday, 25 September: SRH vs PBKS (Sharjah)
- Monday, 27 September: SRH vs RR (Dubai)
- Thursday, 30 September: SRH vs CSK (Sharjah)
- Sunday, 3 October: SRH vs KKR (Dubai)
- Wednesday, 6 October: SRH vs RCB (Abu Dhabi)
- Friday, 8 October: SRH vs MI (Abu Dhabi)