SRH can build a side around Jason Holder, but an Indian player should be captain: Brian Lara

The 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) was nothing but horrendous for Sunrisers Hyderabad as they struggled throughout the season. The side failed to identify their best combination and endured one humiliating defeat after another. They eventually finished the league stage at the rock bottom of the table, having won just three of their 14 games. This also saw SRH knocked out of the playoffs for the first time in six seasons.

One of the positives in SRH’s terrible campaign was Jason Holder. Although the Caribbean all-rounder didn’t feature in all matches, he proved his mettle with both bat and the ball. With the mega auction taking place next year, SRH are all but likely to go under a complete revamp. However, many fans and experts believe the Orange Army can build a team around Holder.

Jason Holder is the shining light in a disastrous season: Brian Lara

Speaking on the matter, West Indies’ legend Brian Lara said SRH can retain Holder but giving him the leadership role won’t be the best option. He instead suggested the team management should appoint a local player as captain. “Jason Holder is the shining light in a disastrous season. I’m not sure if he is an out and out T20 player, but I feel they can build a team around him,” Lara told Cricket.com.

With only four overseas players allowed in a playing XI, Lara said the appointment of a foreign player as the captain doesn’t allow the team to be flexible.

“Its always great to have a local player to lead the side because you only have four selections in the playing XI and you are carrying the captain in that. There is a big auction coming up and SRH have a lot of shaking up to do. Let’s see how they will get the right group to move forward,” he said.

For the unversed, David Warner was SRH’s captain at the start of the season. However, consistent failures of the team meant the Australian southpaw is sacked from the leadership role. Kane Williamson assumed the vital position but he couldn’t change Hyderabad’s fortunes either. Hence, it would be interesting to see what SRH will plan for IPL 2020.