IPL 2018: 4 things SRH can do to address their batting woes

Batting is a matter of concern for the SRH team management even after registering 5 wins in 7 matches. In their two losses, they were chasing the targets of 194 and 183 but could manage only 178 on both occasions. In spite of Williamson's exceptional performances at the top, the void created by David Warner's absence is clearly visible. Sunrisers should address their batting woes as soon as possible to reach the playoffs comfortably.

Here are the four things that SRH can do to improve their batting:

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#4 Shreevats Goswami in place of Wriddhiman Saha

Till now, Wriddhiman Saha hasn't performed well with the bat. In 7 innings, he has scored only 68 runs off 63 deliveries with a low strike rate of 107.94. His scores on the seven occasions were 5, 22, 24, 6, 5*, 0, 6. Even though he has been good behind the stumps, his batting performances haven't been up to mark and are letting his team down.

SRH, one of the sides to have had a good auction, could afford a backup keeper in the form of Shreevats Goswami. Goswami had a good Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy as he scored 373 runs with an average of 52.38. He was fourth highest run-getter of the tournament and has hit five half-centuries in 8 innings at a strike rate of 151.62. If given a chance, Goswami would definitely want to prove his mettle and this is the right time to use him as Saha has underperformed this year.

#3 Playing Alex Hales in the starting XI

Alex Hales

Alex Hales was roped in the tournament as David Warner's replacement. He hasn't been given a chance till now, but with Billy Stanlake's exit from the tournament, he can fill in the spot of the fourth overseas player. The hard-hitting batsmen can be the answers to SRH's batting problems as the No.7 T20I can bat at the top and lower down the order as a finisher.

His record in T20 is commendable as he has scored 1456 runs in 52 innings at a strike rate of 136.33 making him a good prospect to open the batting with Shikhar Dhawan. His presence at the top would also help in increasing the run-rate in powerplays.

#2 More freedom to Manish Pandey if needed

Manish Pandey

Manish Pandey has not been in the best of form. He scored 89 runs off 68 deliveries in the five innings that he has played so far. The bulk of his runs came in one match in the form of a half-century against the KXIP. Manish Pandey scored a 42-ball 57 but could not take his side to victory in spite of him batting till the end.

In the reverse fixture against KXIP, he scored a fighting half-century to get his team to 132, which was defended exceptionally by their bowlers. Enroute his second fifty, Manish Pandey was given as many as three reprieves by the KXIP fielders. But the positive from both the fifties is that he scored runs when given time in the middle. So it is important for the Sunrisers to give more freedom to Manish Pandey and give him the assurance that he can take some time in the middle to settle before going for big shots.

Exciting players like Deepak Hooda are warming the bench, but if Pandey doesn't perform, the chances of him being dropped will become much higher. So, it is high time that Pandey performs well and proves his worth.

#1 Sign Hashim Amla as Billy Stanlake's replacement

Hashim Amla

Hashim Amla is one of the most underrated players in T20s but he has a calming influence on the game and has the ability to consolidate innings. He has scored most of his runs without taking too much risk even in the shortest format of the game.

Amla has an impeccable IPL record as he has an average of 44.38 in IPL, which is the highest for batsmen who has scored more than 500 runs. In the last season, playing for KXIP he scored 420 runs in 10 matches with an average of 60.00 and a strike rate of 145.83.

His ability to play long innings is what SRH need right now. Amla along with Williamson can lead the batting of SRH to commendable scores. With their strength in the bowling, it is important that they replace Stanlake with a batsman who can improve their batting.