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Opinion
Let’s analyse a potential XI for the Sunrisers.
Sunrisers Hyderabad were the only team where getting three wickets (usually of David Warner, Jonny Bairstow, and Kane Williamson) would be the end of a reputable batting line-up.
Having lost the services of David Warner, Rashid Khan and possibly even Jonny Bairstow, Sunrisers will look to recover from the abysmal season they had in 2021.
There were clear weaknesses even in the bowling department, something they would like to rectify as a traditionally strong bowling team.
1. Shubman Gill
Sunrisers will aim to get Shubman Gill into the mix and should ideally have targeted a purchase on a Gill-like player.
One of the weaknesses was to rely on an overseas-heavy top order. Having an up-and-coming Indian batsman to open would more than rectify this problem for a long time.
Gill should ideally be able to take the role Shikhar Dhawan did in his prime for the Sunrisers.
Alternatives: Devdutt Padikkal and Shikhar Dhawan
2. Robin Uthappa (wicketkeeper)
When Chennai Super Kings traded in Robin Uthappa from Rajasthan, a lot of questions were asked about his durability and potency as he is on the wrong side of 35.
However, he proved critics wrong in the playoffs and has tons of experience having played over 190 IPL matches while winning the orange cap in 2014, making him a realistic buy for the next two or three seasons.
Besides being an Indian opening option, he is also a wicketkeeper that Sunrisers will look for as Wriddhiman Saha is in the twilight of his career.
Alternatives: KS Bharat and Dinesh Karthik
3. Kane Williamson (captain)
The 2018 IPL orange cap holder was perhaps the only non-surprising Sunrisers retention. They will hope that his elbow injury is sorted and Williamson can be back to play at his prime again.
Nonetheless, he is still an excellent choice as a captain and with a potentially stronger middle order, he will now have more confidence to play more risky shots.
(Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)
Alternatives: N/A as retained.
4. Mitchell Marsh
Mitchell Marsh was part of the Sunrisers team in the past two seasons, but somehow due to injuries and COVID bubble fatigure he only featured in one game.
There were a few questions regarding his inclusion initially but he really has proved himself with the bat both in the T20 World Cup and the BBL. He is also quite handy with the ball, where he reaches 140 kilometres per hour.
5. Deepak Hooda
In the 2016 IPL victory, there was always one player for the Sunrisers that many did not take much notice of.
That was Deepak Hooda. He has six-hitting skills and is just about the gun fielder that they put at strategic places to save valuable runs. He is still young and has gained valuable experience with Punjab.
Alternatives: Shahrukh Khan and Aiden Markram
6. Shakib Al Hasan
Shakib Al Hasan was part of the Sunrisers until last season before going back to Kolkata Knight Riders.
(Photo by Tharaka Basnayaka/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
While Kolkata Knight Riders used him primarily as a bowler, he can be utilised as a proper batsman too at Sunrisers.
And his presence will give Williamson and the top order some psychological advantage that there is batting depth to come.
Alternatives: Krunal Pandya and Fabian Allen
7. Abdul Samad
Abdul Samad’s retention was somewhat interesting and apart from Sunrisers’ own talent scout (like Rashid Khan was), there was no real need for his retention.
Regardless, he will have had more experience by then and can be utilised as a part-time spinner.
Alternatives: N/A as retained.
8. Chris Woakes
In order to retain the new-ball swing of Bhuvneshwar Kumar with more batting depth, Sunrisers might opt for Chris Woakes.
He was somewhat under-utilised at the Delhi Capitals due to the lack of overseas spots and the presence of Indian pacers.
Woakes has tasted success in the international arena and his presence is also known to be a jolly one off the field.
(Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Alternatives: Sam Curran and Kyle Jamieson
9. Harshal Patel
This signing is budget permitting, and there are stiff bidding contests from Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kolkata Knight Riders and Ahmedabad. That makes his selection challenging.
But I have included him anyway because Sunrisers have a big purse, next to only the Punjab Kings. That will help them win Harshal for the following season.
With the 2021 purple cap with him, he is a prime target for any franchise, including Sunrisers.
Alternatives: Avesh Khan and Mohammed Shami
10. Kuldeep Yadav
Somewhere in 2019, he was in the Indian spinning attack. Kuldeep Yadav also featured against England when they toured India but somehow has gone down the pecking order.
He has not been a regular for Kolkata Knight Riders for the past two seasons and with Rashid’s absence, there is every reason to believe that Sunrisers might opt to go for him as he is both valuable – with something to prove – and potentially affordable.
Alternatives: Yuzi Chahal and Ravi Ashwin
11. Umar Malik
He is a raw and young talent. Reaching speeds of 150 is no easy feat and his retention shows the Sunrisers have faith in him.
Alternatives: N/A as retained.
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