IPL 9 Predicted XI: Sunrisers Hyderabad

The Sunrisers Hyderabad haven’t had the best of IPL outings since rising from the ashes of the now defunct Deccan Chargers. However, this time, around, the Sunrisers have seemingly done their homework. The auction proved to be extremely productive with the Hyderabad based franchise making several key additions to their squad. While the core of the playing XI is expected to remain more or less the same, a few new additions will be expected to spice up the playing XI of the Sunrisers Hyderabad. That said, here is perhaps the best XI on paper the Sunrisers can muster.

David Warner (C):

The explosive Australian southpaw is currently facing a slump. Batting down the order for his nation in the World T20 did little to fortify his ability to play the big hits. However, now he will be tasked with leading the Sunrisers through the ninth edition of the IPL. Warner is the highest run scorer for the Sunrisers Hyderabad with 1090 runs to his name.

Shikhar Dhawan:

The Indian opener was removed from the captaincy role following a slump in the previous season. Despite not being in the best of form at the moment, Dhawan is an integral part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad lineup. He is the second highest run-getter for the Hyderabad franchise with 1041 runs to his name in the 38 innings he has batted.

Kane Williamson:

The Kiwi skipper missed a massive chunk of the IPL the previous season courtesy of national duty. However, Williamson will now be an important addition to the side, especially after leading the New Zealand team to the semi-final of the recently concluded World T20. He has played just the two matches for the Sunrisers, scoring just 31 runs and is relatively inexperienced in the context of the IPL.

Deepak Hooda:

Hooda was picked up by the Sunrisers Hyderabad following the suspension of the Rajasthan Royals. He has picked up quite a few man of the match awards with the Royals and also earned the nickname ‘Hurricane’ for his ability to change the match with his big-hitting. Deepak Hooda played a key role for Baroda with the bat in the domestic T20 competition Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy.

Eoin Morgan:

The England skipper is facing a bad slump with the bat at the moment. Two golden ducks in the last five innings is certainly a black mark against the name of a batsman who boasts of his class and ability. Morgan’s IPL numbers give a decent reading as he has amassed 187 runs in 9 matches.

Naman Ojha (wk):

Although the Sunrisers have purchased the likes of Thirumalasetti Suman, it is unlikely that Naman Ojha will be left out of the starting XI. While his glove-work will come in handy, Ojha has amassed 369 runs in 25 innings, a stat that underlines his credentials with the bat. He has been a run machine in domestic cricket and would lend stability to the SRH middle order.

Aditya Tare:

Aditya Tare’s billing raised significantly when he led the Mumbai team to their 41st Ranji Trophy title. Having been released by the Mumbai Indians, Tare was picked up by the Sunrisers. However, he will be expected to keep wickets ahead of Naman Ojha while making useful runs with the bat lower down the order. Though he comes in as a calm individual can hit the hammer hard towards the end of the innings.

Karn Sharma:

It seems as though Karn Sharma’s domestic form has removed him from the national selector’s fray. However, that doesn’t take away the fact that Karn is one of the finest leg-spinners in Indian domestic circuit. Despite being taken for runs, Karn is the second highest wicket-taker in the SRH ranks with 36 wickets to his name.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar:

Bhuvaneshwar Kumar’s stock in the national selector’s book has gone down a few notches following the rise of Jasprit Bumrah and an unfortunate injury. However, in the context of the IPL, Bhuvaneshwar Kumar is SRH’s leading wicket-taker with 38 wickets to his name. He has developed a good yorker that will come in handy in his second spell and Bhuvi will definitely swing the new ball.

Ashish Nehra:

The 36-year old has been a revelation in the shortest format of the game following a wonderful outing in the World T20. Despite his age, the Sunrisers picked him up courtesy of his performances and his vast experience. He will be expected to fill the shoes vacated by Ishant Sharma. Nehra doesn’t come in as a bowler but will be the leader of the pack and guide other young pacers under pressure.

Mustafizur Rahman:

The Sunrisers surprised one and all with a surprise buy. In Mustafizur, they have a bowler who can bowl at a fiery pace. The 20-year old left-arm pacer will be making his debut in the IPL. He has been in exceptional form for Bangladesh and was at his best in the World T20 despite an injury. Whether the SRH management goes in for the raw pace of Mustafizur or the experience of Dale Steyn remains to be seen.