IPL 2018: Sunrisers Hyderabad predicted XI

The Sunrisers Hyderabad were dealt with a big blow prior to the 2018 season as captain David Warner was forced to leave the squad in controversial circumstances.

Alex Hales replaced him in the side and Kane Williamson was named the captain for the season. SRH will look to replicate their 2016 season and lift the title for the second time in their career.

They begin their campaign against Rajasthan Royals on April 9 in Hyderabad.

Openers:

Shikhar Dhawan

There were rumours that Shikhar Dhawan would take over as captain once David Warner left the side. However, the team management decided to go with Kane Williamson instead.

Dhawan has been in spectacular form over the past few months with the Indian cricket team. He was one of the leading run-scorers in the series against South Africa and played well in the Nidahas Trophy as well.

He will look to give SRH the perfect start this season in the absence of Warner.

Kane Williamson

The New Zealand skipper was named the captain of SRH once Warner left. He will also most likely open the innings along with Dhawan.

Given his style of play, he will probably play the role of the anchor of the innings and let Dhawan go big right from the beginning.

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Middle-order:

Manish Pandey

The 28-year-old has been putting in consistent performances with the Indian cricket team over the past few months and will look to replicate his form in the IPL as well.

With Warner gone, we will most likely see Pandey get promoted up the order at no. 3.

Deepak Hooda

The 24-year-old has been one of the finds of the IPL over the years and has constantly put in good performances for whichever team he's played in.

He would feel hard done with the fact that he's not got a chance to play for the Indian cricket team yet. He will look to make a mark for himself and get the selectors to take note of his performances.

Wriddhiman Saha

The Indian Test wicketkeeper-batsman had the perfect preparation for the IPL with a 22 ball century in a local T20 game in Kolkata.

He is not known for his T20 skills but has put in some great performances with the bat in the past and will look to prove a point this IPL.

All-rounders:

Yusuf Pathan

The enigmatic all-rounder has consistently performed well in the IPL over the years. He has been the designated finisher for whichever side he's played for and will play the role of the finisher for SRH as well.

He has been out of contention with the Indian side for a long time now and will hope to put in a few good performances in the IPL to get the selectors to notice his performances.

Shakib al Hasan

The Bangladeshi all-rounder was one of the very few players from his nation to be picked in the IPL this year.

He can pack a punch with the bat and bowl four good overs with the ball as well. Shakib will look to finish off the innings in style if given a chance and pick up a lot of wickets throughout the tournament.

Spinner:

Rashid Khan

The 19-year-old Afghanistan sensation is the no. 1 T20I bowler in the world and is one of the most sought-after bowlers right now.

He was one of the key bowlers for Sunrisers last year, as he picked up wickets at regular intervals and did not leak too many runs as well.

He will look to do much of the same this year and look to win the Purple Cap too.

Fast bowlers:

Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Bhunveshwar Kumar is arguably one of the best T20I pace bowlers in the world currently. With his ability to trouble the batsmen with his pace and swing, he is one of the most feared bowlers in the world right now.

He is also one of the best death bowlers in the world, which is what makes him brilliant in this format.

Siddharth Kaul

The 27-year-old was one of the key players for SRH last year as he picked up 16 wickets in 10 games at an economy of just over 8.

He will look to play every game this year and pick up a few more wickets than last year and thus be in contention for the Purple Cap as well.

Billy Stanlake

Standing at 204 metres, the 23-year-old Australian is one of the tallest players in the IPL. Due to his height, he generates a lot of pace, which can trouble the batsmen.

He was a part of RCB last year but played just two matches and did not make much of an impact. With Warner's absence, he will most likely be the 4th foreigner in the side.