Sunrisers Hyderabad were well-prepared for the IPL auction, as they crafted a strong squad that many cricket pundits predicted would be a favorite. Yet, this same squad has had a slow start to the season, as both RR and LSG have beaten them. Captain Aiden Markram needs to act fast to put SRH back on track and determine why they have been struggling. Here are a few reasons for SRH’s struggle:
3) Lack of clarity
Despite selecting some quality players in the auction, SRH has an abundance of right-handers in their squad. This became more evident when they released Nicholas Pooran before the season and dropped Abhishek Sharma from the XI against LSG. This has made it easier for opposing teams to exploit weaknesses on the side. The right-handers in SRH’s side failed to cope with Krunal Pandya and Amit Mishra’s spin bowling during their game against Lucknow. To address this, SRH should consider using Washington Sundar as a ‘floater’, providing flexibility and alternate strategies.
2) Failure in proper utilization of the ‘Impact Player’
SRH included three overseas players in their squad – Aiden Markram, Harry Brook, and Adil Rashid – for the current season. They also have a range of Impact Player options, such as Heinrich Klaasen, Marco Jansen, and Fazalhaq Farooqi, as well as Indian players Mayank Markande and Mayank Dagar. However, the loss of early wickets caused a stir, and Heinrich Klaasen padded until the 18th over but without being used. Eventually, Farooqi was deployed as an impact player, but SRH could have chosen one of the spinners, Mayank Markande or Mayank Dagar, considering the slowness of the surface. Aiden Markram needs to quickly take control of the situation and lead SRH out of this initial stutter.
1) Constraints at the top
Anmolpreet Singh was the preferred opener for Sunrisers, but Rahul Tripathi and Mayank Agarwal should have the freedom to take on the bowlers from the beginning. There is sufficient firepower with the addition of Harry Brook and Aiden Markram in the middle order, so the openers should not be timid. Washington Sundar’s batting abilities should be better utilized in the future, and Abdul Samad should be the team’s designated finisher.