Sunrisers Hyderabad struggled in IPL 2021. Ahead of IPL 2022 Auctions, they were the least impressive franchise. They went into the auctions after releasing David Warner and Rashid Khan while retaining two untested uncapped cricketers. At the bidding event, the management tried its best but somehow seemed to miss out on a top squad. That said, SRH does have variety and plenty of backups. This could help them as the season progresses. On that note, in this article, we predict the strongest playing XI for SRH in IPL 2022.
Openers: Kane Williamson (C) and Abhishek Sharma
Muttiah Muralitharan has already confirmed that Kane Williamson and Abhishek Sharma will open the batting for the franchise. While Kane was retained before the auctions, Abhishek Sharma was a top purchase at the event.
Kane has opened in T20 cricket and his experience will be of use to the unit. Abhishek has done very well for Punjab in this slot. He might need a run of games to come good. He also gives a few overs with the ball. This will help the balance of the squad. If this combination does not click, SRH will have plenty of other options such as Rahul Tripathi, Aiden Markram, Vishnu Vinod and R Samarth.
Middle-Order: Aiden Markram, Rahul Tripathi, Nicholas Pooran (WK) and Abdul Samad
The strongest playing XI for SRH in IPL 2022 might feature a better middle-order than the franchise has had in recent years. However, compared to the other teams, there is still scope for improvement. Also, there are plenty of options available for the franchise and deciding the batting order must happen very early in the season.
Aiden Markram and Rahul Tripathi will occupy the No.3 and No.4 slots in the XI. After Williamson, Markram will have to take the responsibility of holding the innings together. Rahul Tripathi was an expensive signing and his main task will be to go after the spinners.
Nicholas Pooran and Abdul Samad will be the finishers for the franchise. Although Pooran has immense potential, he is yet to come good in IPL. On the other hand, Samad is inexperienced. Hence, the franchise will want one of Williamson and Markram to stay till the end.
All-Rounders: Washington Sundar and Romario Shepherd
Washington Sundar and Romario Shepherd will be the all-rounders in this playing XI for SRH in IPL 2022. However, this might be a tricky department for the management.
Sundar will lead the spin attack, but he is yet to do well with the bat. It is not sure if he can pull off a few big hits. It will be better off if the management can slot him at the top of the order. Shepherd has done well before but IPL will be a different ballgame. Sean Abbott and Marco Jansen will be the alternatives for Shepherd.
Bowlers: Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kartik Tyagi and T Natarajan
SRH retained Umran Malik ahead of IPL 2022 Mega-Auctions. However, it will be hard for the franchise to slot him in the playing XI for IPL 2022. Bhuvneshwar Kumar will yet again don the role of the leader of the bowling attack for SRH. He will be joined by T Natarajan, who was a top performer for the franchise in IPL 2020. His fitness has improved and the player is also looking forward to doing well.
Hence, the battle will be between Kartik Tyagi and Umran Malik for the final spot. Considering a relatively better experience, Kartik deserves the spot. He can also bowl fast like Umran and has plenty of other variations. On tracks that spin, SRH could also think of getting someone like Shreyas Gopal.
