IPL 2021: Best Predicted Playing XI of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

With IPL Auctions coming to an end, the teams are finally looking to be at their full strength. One of the teams that had it easy in the IPL Auctions was Sunrisers Hyderabad, who did not have to worry much about the auctions. Having all the bases covered, the auctions were more like a mere formality for the orange army.

Sunrisers Hyderabad went in with a total purse of 10.75 crores which made it pretty obvious that they were not going to buy any big players. Throughout the auction, they only got 3 players; Mujeeb-Ur Rahman, Kedar Jadhav, and Jagadeesha Suchith. They bought Mujeeb for 1.5 crore, Kedar Jadhav for 2 crore, and Jagadeesha Suchith for 30 lakh.

However, with all their bases already covered, it seems highly unlikely that they will make any adjustments to their playing XI. Kedar Jadhav might get an opportunity here and there, but he is likely to warm the bench.

IPL 2021: Best Predicted Playing XI of Sunrisers Hyderabad

1. David Warner

David Warner is an obvious choice as an opener for Sunrisers Hyderabad as he has been their spine and is leading the team from the front. He is one of the most prolific batsmen in the history of IPL with over 5000 runs in IPL. He is one batsman Sunrisers Hyderabad do not want to leave, so much so that he leads the side as well.

David Warner has been so successful with the bat that in his last 6 seasons, he has scored over 500 runs in each edition. The Australian has also won 3 orange caps in the last 6 seasons, which shows the level of consistency which he has maintained over the years.

In IPL 2020, David Warner scored 548 runs at an average of just under 40. He was the third highest run-getter of the tournament. He will look to continue the havoc he created in the previous 6 seasons with the bat, and hopefully lift the trophy as a captain.

2. Wriddhiman Saha

Along with David Warner, Wriddhiman Saha is likely to start the proceedings for the orange army. The Indian wicket keeper was never the first choice, but in the chances he got in IPL 2020, he has made a strong case to open with the captain, David Warner. Saha only played 4 games for the Sunrisers in the IPL 2020 where he scored 214 runs at an average of 71.

Wriddhiman Saha got injured right before the playoffs in IPL 2020, which cost SRH dearly. With him out of the team, they were left vulnerable from the other end at the top order and David Warner did not get the license to play as freely as he did with Wriddhiman Saha. If Saha was available, there was a good chance for Hyderabad to lift the trophy again.

Jonny Bairstow’s inclusion in the team takes up an overseas spot which disrupts the combination of the team. With Wriddhiman Saha’s late burst into the tournament, it is likely that Jonny Bairstow might just warm the bench.

3. Manish Pandey

Manish Pandey has been doing an excellent job for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the middle order. With him in the team, the middle order looks strengthened for the Sunrisers. The versatility he offers to the team is what makes him one of the most important players for the team.

With David Warner’s brilliance with the bat, Manish Pandey’s consistent performances go unnoticed. He is someone who can give you quick runs after an early assault from the openers and he can steady the ship as well, in case of an early collapse. With such performances over the years, Pandey is going to be a permanent number 3 for SRH.

Last season, he scored over 400 runs for the team at an average of 32. He scored 3 50s in the tournament and concluded the tournament on a high. He will be the key that holds the team together in the IPL 2021 as well.

4. Kane Williamson

Kane Williamson has always been brilliant in the Indian Premier League. However, he has been unlucky as well considering how many times he has found himself warming the bench. The only reason for him being on the bench is SRH never found the right combination of overseas players to accommodate him.

Although, this season, the Kiwi skipper could find himself a permanent spot in the team. With Wriddhiman Saha’s performance as an opener, it vacates an overseas spot for Kane Williamson in the middle order. He can score quickly without taking much of a risk, which gives him an extra edge over the others.

IPL 2020 was sensational for Kane Williamson as he scored over 300 runs with an average of just over 45. In the qualifier 2 against Delhi Capitals in 2020, the Kiwi scored 67 off just 45 balls, but ended up being on the losing end. With the number 4 spot fixed for him, he can do wonders for Hyderabad throughout the tournament.

5. Priyam Garg

The young man from Uttar Pradesh is likely to play at 5 for the orange army. With Sunrisers sticking with the youngster throughout the tournament in 2020, Priyam Garg is likely to be backed by the franchisee once again. He did not yet have a breakout season, but we got a glimpse of his world class talent last season.

Priyam Garg could only manage 130 runs in 10 innings in the IPL 2020. However, we did see what he’s capable of when he scored 51 runs off just 26 balls against Chennai Super Kings. What made it more valuable was that the knock came when Sunrisers were in deep trouble. His half century helped the team put on a massive total and won the game for his team.

Priyam Garg announced himself to the IPL with that knock and he will look to find a consistent touch for the team. The talents of this young man could hardly go unnoticed.

6. Jason Holder

Jason Holder replaced the injured Mitchell Marsh in the IPL 2020 and that proved to be a blessing in disguise for the orange army. Not only did he perform with bat and ball, but also gave the perfect team combination which SRH were looking for.

Jason Holder’s exceptional performance with the bat will secure him a spot at number 5 for Hyderabad. Holder lives to his reputation of hard hitting and getting quick runs, no matter when he is batting.

With the ball, Jason Holder had a world class season. In just 7 matches, Jason Holder got 14 wickets which is the reason why Sunrisers Hyderabad made it to the Play-offs. He bowled economically at the death as well, thus ticking all the boxes SRH needed. Thus, he is likely to take the number 6 spot and play as the 4th overseas player.

7. Abhishek Sharma

Sunrisers will undoubtedly get stability in their team with Abhishek Sharma starting his onslaught coming in at 7 for them. Sharma is a natural hitter of the ball and can prove to be a valuable finisher for his team. Moreover, he can give you a few overs with the ball as well, if needed.

Abdul Samad and Abhishek Sharma mostly fought over the spot in IPL 2020. However, with top class performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy earlier this year, the scales have tipped in Abhishek’s favour. He scored over 200 runs in the domestic T20 trophy and helped Punjab reach the semi finals of the tournament.

In IPL 2020, Sharma had a rather decent outing, but his hard hitting abilities were clearly visible. With him batting in the lower middle order, he did not get consistent opportunities with the bat. It is likely that he will now play ahead of Abdul Samad, thanks to an excellent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

8. Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Bhuvneshwar Kumar needs no introduction at all. He is undoubtedly the best fast bowler to play for The Sunrisers Hyderabad. He also won two purple caps while playing for them.

SRH will always love Bhuvneshwar Kumar opening the bowling for them. He usually disrupts the batsmen’s stumps with his swinging deliveries. On top of that, he is one of the best death ball bowlers to play in the IPL.

The only thing which SRH are uncertain of, regarding Bhuvneshwar Kumar, is his availability. Over the years, Bhuvi has become injury prone due to which he has missed out on a few matches. SRH would want a fully fit Bhuvi to start the proceedings with the ball for them.

9. Rashid Khan

If there’s one man who has stopped the run flow in the middle overs, it’s him, Rashid Khan. Ever since his debut, Rashid has been wreaking havoc in the Indian Premier League. Teams still find it extremely hard to play him.

Rashid Khan has only played for Sunrisers in the IPL and that is because they have always retained their ace spinner. Rashid has picked up 75 wickets for the orange army in just 62 matches. His ability to cleanly hit the ball is just a cherry on cake.

In IPL 2020, Rashid took 20 wickets at an average of 17. Along with being a wicket taker, Rashid also bowls economically. He had an economy of 5.38 in IPL 2020, and nobody had a better economy than the Afghan youngster.

10. Shahbaz Nadeem

Shahbaz Nadeem is a rather unique addition in the playing XI. With Jason Holder giving 4 overs with the ball, it gives David Warner the license to get an additional full-time spinner in the playing XI. Being second fiddle to Rashid Khan, Shahbaz Nadeem has had a rather impressive outing in the IPL 2020.

Despite not playing more than half the tournament, Shahbaz Nadeem managed to pick 6 wickets in the tournament. Nadeem can stop the run flow with his wicket to wicket bowling. His addition in the team brings experience in the side.

Before joining Sunrisers, Nadeem played for Delhi Capitals. He has played 71 matches in the Indian Premier League and has taken 47 wickets.

11. T Natarajan

T Natarajan was the pick of the bowlers in the IPL 2020. He had such an outstanding season that he ended up representing India in all the three formats against Australia. He will take the new ball with Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Natarajan has made his name in the team in the IPL as a death bowler specialist and that is what he will look to do in IPL 2021 as well. He took 16 wickets in 16 games in IPL 2021 and helped Sunrisers Hyderabad reach the play-offs.

With Bhuvneshwar Kumar and T Natarajan bowling at the death, the scoring for any team wouldn’t be as easy. Hyderabad’s bowling line up can help them defend any total and Natarajan will play a key role in that.