IPL 2021: Team-wise four first-choice overseas players

8. Sunrisers Hyderabad

1. David Warner– One of only two overseas captains, David Warner’s inclusion is one of the easiest on the list. He is without any doubt SRH’s greatest ever player and he has had a massive impact on their fortunes. He scored 548 runs in 16 games at a strike-rate of 134.64 and was their lead batsman as usual. The Australian will be vital to their chances of winning the title, and SRH will hope that he can play like he usually does.

2. Rashid Khan– Arguably the best T20 bowler in the world, Rashid Khan has been extremely consistent during his four years at the Sunrisers. The Afghan leg-spinner not only picks up a truckload of wickets, but he also keeps things tight. He picked up 20 wickets in 16 games last season and his economy rate of 5.37 was simply outstanding. He has never conceded at more than seven during a season, and fans can expect more of the same this season.

3. Kane Williamson– The New Zealand skipper was benched for the first two games during the last season, but SRH immediately realised his value and decided to draft him into the XI. He didn’t fail to impress as he scored 317 runs in 12 games at a strike-rate of 133.74. The team management will have to choose between him and Bairstow, but Kane will most likely get the nod initially due to how he performed last year.

4. Jason Holder– Jason Holder was roped in by SRH as a replacement for the injured Mitchell Marsh mid-way through the season and he was able to deliver the goods and helped them qualify for the playoffs. He picked up 14 wickets in just seven games and was able to prove that he isn’t just a Test match specialist. The West Indian allrounder even played a couple of useful knocks with the bat. Like Williamson, even Holder will have competition for his place in the form of Marsh.