Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) prepares for the IPL 2024 season opener against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) with a dilemma of plenty. After finishing last in IPL 2023, SRH aims for a turnaround this season.
In the IPL 2024 auction, SRH acquired six players, including Travis Head (Rs. 6.80 crore), Wanindu Hasaranga (Rs. 1.5 crore), Pat Cummins (Rs. 20.50 crore), Jaydev Unadkat (Rs. 1.60 crore), Akash Singh (Rs. 20 lakhs), and Jhathavedh Subramanyan (Rs. 20 lakhs).
The team appears thin on experienced Indian players in various roles, relying heavily on their overseas contingent. Selecting the best XI poses a challenge, especially lacking an experienced Indian seamer aside from Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
Wanindu Hasaranga’s unavailability for the first three games due to Sri Lanka’s Test matches adds to SRH’s selection puzzle.
In this article, SRH’s predicted XI for the match against KKR at Eden Gardens is analyzed:
- Travis Head : Expected to open the batting, Head’s aggressive style could provide a strong start. His recent success with Australia adds to SRH’s hopes.
- Abhishek Sharma / Mayank Agarwal : The management might choose between Sharma’s left-handed batting or Agarwal’s stability to maintain the order.
- Rahul Tripathi : Tripathi at number three will face his former team, KKR, aiming to replicate his success from previous seasons.
- Heinrich Klaasen (WK) : Crucial at number four, Klaasen’s consistency will be vital, especially after his impressive performance last IPL.
- Glenn Phillips : Potential number five, Phillips or Aiden Markram can offer a spin-bowling all-rounder option, bolstering the team’s balance.
- Washington Sundar : Sundar, at six, serves as another spin-bowling all-rounder, looking to make an impact after mixed IPL performances.
- Pat Cummins © : As captain, Cummins will bat at seven, bringing his leadership experience from Australia’s successful campaigns.
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar : The experienced Indian seamer at eight, Bhuvneshwar aims to lead the bowling attack with his skill and experience.
- Umran Malik : Potential second Indian pacer, Malik’s performance last season earned him a national debut, seeking to make a mark.
- Mayank Markande : The third spinner option, Markande may feature depending on pitch conditions, offering variety against KKR’s hitters.
- T Natarajan : Concluding the XI, Natarajan’s left-arm angle and previous IPL success add depth to SRH’s bowling attack.
Impact Sub: Abdul Samad : Utilized as an impact sub, Samad brings power-hitting ability and flexibility in the middle overs.
SRH faces the challenge of balancing experience and performance in their XI, aiming to start their IPL 2024 campaign with a strong showing against KKR at Eden Gardens.