IPL 2020: 3 players who can lead Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Kane Williamson’s absence

Sunrisers Hyderabad might miss two of their top overseas players- skipper Kane Williamson and 2016 IPL winning captain David Warner for at least their opening fixture due to the international commitments. After the three-match ODI series between Australia and New Zealand which begins on March 13 at Sydney, the two teams will be facing off each other in three T20Is which is set to be played at Dunedin, Auckland and Christchurch.

Both Williamson and Warner will be determined to prove themselves for their respective nations in the three-match series which ends on March 29^th. Sunrisers, who finished fourth last season will begin their 2020 IPL campaign at home against defending champion Mumbai Indians on April 1^st and it seems unlikely that the duo will feature in the XI for this fixture.

On that note, let us look at three players who can lead Sunrisers Hyderabad in Kane Williamson’s absence:

3. Rashid Khan

Rashid who was appointed as Afghanistan’s captain across all formats of the game after 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, led his side to a memorable T20I series win (2-1) over West Indies in November last year. But, owing to the ODI series whitewash (3-0) and a defeat in the one-off Test match against the Men from the Caribbean, Asghar Afghan was reappointed as the captain across formats.

The 21-year-old who has been retained for whopping INR 9 crore has been a regular fixture in the Sunrisers’ XI ever since joining the franchise ahead of 2017 IPL. The talented leg-spinner has been pretty economical (6.55) apart from being a consistent wicket-taker during his three-year IPL stint with the Hyderabad-based outfit so far.

Rashid who enjoys immense popularity among the entire IPL fraternity could even go onto lead Sunrisers Hyderabad in case the regular skipper Kane Williamson misses out from the XI due to his international commitments or an injury. So, don’t be surprised if the Afghanistan leggie walks out for the toss during 2020 IPL!