IPL 2020: Strongest Predicted 11 of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
A potent bowling unit, the focus as we look at the strongest predicted playing 11 of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for IPL 2020 matches in UAE.
Although Sunrisers Hyderabad does have a well-adjusted squad, they might not be remarkably cheerful about IPL’s relocation to UAE. While their bowling seems fine, SRH’s batting is somewhat inexperienced, and could get uncomfortable on the baked pitches of UAE.
To nullify the experience, the team management would have to take a big call on whether to play Kane Williamson, and make their middle-order strong, or play Mohammad Nabi, and make their bowling and lower-order strong. It is ultimately going to be the selection between one of these star players that would decide the composition.
Nevertheless, the core of the squad is still strong, and after a hot infusion of youth at the auction, the Hyderabad-based outfit would be keen to make a mark in IPL 2020 under their IPL 2016 title winning captain, David Warner.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) Squad for IPL 2020 UAE:
Batsmen: Abdul Samad, David Warner, Jonny Bairstow (WK), Kane Williamson, Manish Pandey, Priyam Garg, Shreevats Goswami (WK), Virat Singh, and Wriddhiman Saha (WK).
All-rounders: Abhishek Sharma, Fabian Allen, Mitchell Marsh, Mohammad Nabi, Sandeep Bavanaka, Sanjay Yadav, and Vijay Shankar.
Bowlers: Basil Thampi, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Billy Stanlake, Khaleel Ahmed, Rashid Khan, Sandeep Sharma, Shahbaz Nadeem, Siddharth Kaul, and T Natarajan.
So, looking at the squad composition and pitches in UAE, what could be the strongest predicted playing 11 for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for IPL 2020. Let’s have a look in this article.
Openers:
David Warner (C) || Jonny Bairstow (WK)
Just like the previous campaign, SRH’s performance would depend heavily on the performance of this duo. They were on a roll in 2019 scoring over 1000 runs between each other, and were probably the best opening pair of the season. A similar performance would be expected from both of them in IPL 2020.
While Warner’s consistency in IPL is unmatched, SRH might be a little concerned about Bairstow, whose form has not been ordinary in recent months. If Bairstow do not perform as per expectations, SRH could throw in Wriddhiman Saha or a youngster in the mix.
Middle-order:
Priyam Garg || Kane Williamson || Manish Pandey
As has been the case, middle-order will yet again form the tricky component of SRH’s campaign in 2020. Due to the lack of experienced Indian middle-order batsmen, SRH would have to field Kane Williamson in the line-up. While that could affect their balance to an extent, at least, the batting would look dependable. Also, it would not be a surprise if the Kiwi rolls his arm over in UAE.
Coming to the new additions, the U19 Captain, Priyam Garg is a talented teenager, but he is too inexperienced at the moment. He must also be careful of the fairly new conditions in UAE. His position in the batting line-up would depend on how well the openers perform at the top. However, given that he is a top-order batsman, he should bat at 3.
At No.5 comes probably the most important middle-order player for SRH next season – Manish Pandey. Although he has offered a glimpse of his skills, Manish hasn’t exactly teed off for SRH as yet. He has to do it next season, and SRH would be hoping that it happens.
All-rounders:
Vijay Shankar || Abhishek Sharma || Rashid Khan
SRH do possess good all-rounders in their bank for the upcoming campaign. However, all of it will boil down to the performances on the field. Vijay Shankar will operate more as a batsman, but his medium-pacers could actually be effective in UAE. He could be the surprise package in the bowling unit if things work out. His experience playing all his cricket in Chepauk shall come handy in UAE.
Abhishek Sharma has the opportunity to take his game to the next level in IPL 2020. While a glimpse of his batting exploits has already been on display, if the Punjab cricketer can do well with the ball, SRH can afford to play an extra batsman at the top. Otherwise, SRH could be forced to replace Kane Williamson with Mohammad Nabi, and bring in Virat Singh or Wriddhiman Saha in the squad.
Rashid, obviously, is the trump card of this team. The youngster will be licking his fingers at the prospect of bowling in UAE. All his variations would get a perfect partner on the pitches, and hence, he really does have the opportunity to go for the kill next season. His batting will be more focussed on quick cameos, and may be SRH think of giving a pinch-hitter role to Rashid at the top.
Bowlers:
Bhuvneshwar Kumar || Sandeep Sharma || Khaleel Ahmed
There is just no other squad that can knock SRH at the depth of bowling supplies. Hence, varied tactics could take form at SRH’s team meetings. However, whichever strategy SRH adopt, Bhuvneshwar Kumar would be at the centre of it. He is an experienced campaigner, and is tailor-made for the UAE tracks.
While Bhuvi takes up one slot, Khaleel Ahmed is the next candidate who likely plays all the matches for the team. Last season, the youngster did well for the franchise, and a bit of variety with his left-armers is anyways good to have in the XI.
A potent weapon in the IPL, Sandeep Sharma, is a quality option to share the new ball with Bhuvi. The Punjab pacer relies on the swing, and hence in UAE, he would have to invent more methods to surprise the batsmen. For SRH, though, there are plenty of backups in Siddharth Kaul, Basil Thampi, and Billy Stanlake, who are vying for this spot.
So, that completes the predicted playing XI for SRH for IPL 2020 in UAE. SRH’s main headache would be the fourth overseas. Unless Jonny Bairstow struggles for form, SRH can afford to play only one of Kane Williamson or Mohammad Nabi, and it completely depends on the strategy they adopt.
The Predicted 11 for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for IPL 2020 matches in UAE:
David Warner (C), Jonny Bairstow (WK), Priyam Garg, Kane Williamson, Manish Pandey, Vijay Shankar, Abhishek Sharma, Rashid Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Sandeep Sharma, and Khaleel Ahmed.
Thanks for reading! What’s your preferred playing 11 for SRH for IPL 2020 UAE? Please, share your thoughts on business@cricalytics.com
ALSO READ: IPL 2020 Special: Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) Squad Rating for the season
Nesara is an Author at AK4Tsay1 Cricalytics. He is an Engineer by profession. Watching Cricket, Football & Movies is one of his topmost priorities within the day.
