After a challenging 2023 season that saw Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) finish at the bottom of the table, the team focused on significant signings during the IPL 2024 Auction held at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. The acquisitions, particularly the high-profile purchases of Pat Cummins and Travis Head, aimed to reshape the team’s fortunes.
Pat Cummins, secured for a record-breaking bid of Rs. 20.50 crore, became the most expensive buy in IPL auction history, briefly holding the title until Mitchell Starc’s subsequent acquisition by Kolkata Knight Riders for Rs. 24.75 crore.
SRH further strengthened its bowling unit with the addition of Sri Lankan leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga for Rs. 1.5 crore and Indian pacer Jaydev Unadkat for Rs. 1.60 crore. The team concluded its auction endeavors by acquiring Akash Singh and Jhathavedh Subramanyan for Rs. 20 lakh each.
SRH IPL 2024 Probable Playing XI:
Mayank Agarwal, Travis Head, Rahul Tripathi, Aiden Markram (c), Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Abdul Samad/Upendra Yadav, Pat Cummins, Washington Sundar/Shahbaz Ahmed, Umran Malik, T. Natarajan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
SRH Players Bought at IPL 2024 Auction:
Travis Head (Rs. 6.80 crore), Wanindu Hasaranga (Rs. 1.50 crore), Pat Cummins (Rs. 20.50 crore), Jaydev Unadkat (Rs. 1.60 crore), Akash Singh (Rs. 20 lakh), Jhathavedh Subramanyan (Rs. 20 lakh).
CSK IPL 2024 Squad Composition:
Wicketkeepers:
Glenn Phillips (NZ), Upendra Singh Yadav, Heinrich Klaasen (SA).
Batters:
Abdul Samad, Aiden Markram (SA), Rahul Tripathi, Mayank Agarwal, Travis Head (AUS), Anmolpreet Singh.
All-rounders:
Washington Sundar, Abhishek Sharma, Shahbaz Ahmed, Sanvir Singh, Nitish Kumar Reddy.
Bowlers:
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Marco Jansen (SA), Pat Cummins (AUS), T. Natarajan, Mayank Markande, Umran Malik, Wanindu Hasaranga (SL), Jaydev Unadkat, Akash Singh, Fazalhaq Farooqi (AFG), Jhathavedh Subramanyan.
After facing disappointments in the last three seasons, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) aims to make a strong comeback in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) and contend for the coveted trophy. Despite changing captains multiple times, including David Warner, Kane Williamson, and Aiden Markram, the team seeks a turnaround.
In the 2024 IPL auction in Dubai, SRH made a substantial investment of INR 20.50 crore to acquire Australia’s World Cup-winning captain, Pat Cummins. Given Cummins’ exceptional leadership in the World Cup, SRH’s management might consider him for the captaincy role.
In addition to Cummins, SRH secured five more players, including Australian star Travis Head and Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga.
Here’s a SWOT analysis of SRH:
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) Strengths:
- A Fierce Pace Trio: The inclusion of Pat Cummins strengthens SRH’s fast-bowling unit, providing valuable support to Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Cummins, along with Umran Malik, forms a formidable pace trio, enhancing the team’s bowling prowess.
- Star Overseas Batter: The addition of Travis Head for INR 6.80 crore bolsters SRH’s batting lineup. Head may partner with Mayank Agarwal as an opener, and alongside Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, and Glenn Phillips, SRH boasts a powerful middle order.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) Weaknesses:
- Out-of-Form Domestic Players: Key domestic players, including Abhishek Tripathi, Mayank Agarwal, Abdul Samad, Umran Malik, and Washington Sundar, struggled in recent white-ball competitions, raising concerns about their form and performance.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) Opportunities:
- Consistent International Stalwart: SRH features international players like Pat Cummins, who demonstrated stellar performances in the 2023 World Test Championship and World Cup. Travis Head, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, Glenn Phillips, and Marco Jansen have also been consistent performers, providing an opportunity for SRH to capitalize on their international prowess.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) Threats:
- Underutilization of Players: In past seasons, SRH faced challenges in utilizing players effectively. Notably, spinners Adil Rashid and Akeil Hosein did not receive enough opportunities despite their prominence. There’s a risk of underutilizing overseas players due to a substantial squad, as witnessed in previous seasons.
