IPL 2020: Hyderabad search for their second title with a squad of same strengths and weaknesses

IPL 2020: Hyderabad search for their second title with a squad of same strengths and weaknesses

Mohammad Nabi or Kane Williamson, that is a conundrum the Sunrisers Hyderabad will be found asking themselves more often than not. While the former is well suited for the conditions and also provides genuine support to the middle order, alongside 4 overs in every match, the latter is just not someone you drop from a squad, ever.

SRH’s biggest strengths are their opening combinations and bowlers. If just the names of David Warner and Jonny Bairstow are not enough, their 4 century stands in the IPL 2019 would be a testament to their prowess. This is not to say that they are the only destructive pair in the league but no one else offers the consistency with which these two can score big.

SRH’s bowling boasts the world’s best leg spinner, Rashid Khan, alongside Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Billy Stanlake, Siddharth Kaul and Khaleel Ahmed. SRH would be hoping for Bhuvi to be back in his element. For a long time, Bhuvi’s contribution to the squad had been unparalleled, something that has changed in the last few years. Another worry for the skipper would be about how and when to use Rashid Khan. A predominantly wicket-taking option, Rashid’s numbers have dwindled as most teams are comfortable with just playing him out, and score against him in the range of 5-7 runs per over. This must also be very frustrating for the youngster.

The one glaring weakness of the Hyderabad based franchisee has been their middle order. With the departures of Yusuf Pathan, Shakib Al Hasan and Deepak Hooda, the reins of that middle order are now in the hands of the recent U-19 captain Priyam Garg, Virat Singh and Abdul Samad. The pressure would be high on the inexperienced trio to deliver from the word go. Manish Pandey’s key performances at number three in the end of the last year’s tournament would mean that it is highly likely for him to continue at that position. It would be particularly tough for the middle order when two or more from the top fail.

SRH would be hoping for their premium bowlers to find their mojo back and for the middle order’s exposure to be reduced to as minimum as possible.

Probable XI: David Warner (c), Jonny Bairstow (wk), Manish Pandey, Virat Singh, Vijay Shankar, Abdul Samad, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed, Siddarth Kaul

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