IPL 2019 Squad Analysis: Sunrisers Hyderabad

The probable playing XI

Looking at the way they have performed this Auction, let us have a look at who all might be part of their starting playing XI.

#1 David Warner

Warner can and has won matches for SRH single-handedly

The man who took SRH to new heights and who has been the flagbearer of their batting prowess, Warner will be the most definite choice to open the innings for Hyderabad. The team would be banking on him to play valuable big innings for them as he has played in the past as well.

#2 Wriddhiman Saha (WK)

Saha is arguably one of the world's best wicket-keepers

Saha would probably have to open alongside Warner, and with Captain Kane ready to walk in at number 3, Saha would be absolute pressure free. This would give him the much-needed freedom to play as he wishes to. Saha could do well at the top, given his history of above par batting for KXIP, when he used to bat at number 3.

#3 Kane Williamson (C)

Kane Williamson

Another captain cool, Kane showed his class with the bat as he lifted the Orange Cap for most runs and led his side to the final last year. Kane took complete responsibility of the side in the absence of Warner and that makes him the best bet at number 3.

#4 Manish Pandey

Pandey failed to replicate his KKR form in SRH and left his fans disappointed

The India regular T20 batsman had a forgettable IPL 2018, where he failed to deliver at crucial junctures. Pandey did show some vigour towards the end of the season, but his overall performance was utterly unbecoming of someone who represents his country in the same format. He would look to regain momentum with the bat this season.

#5 Vijay Shankar

Vijay Shankar has been in the selectors' radar for National selection for a while now

Shankar might not have been able to win matches for Delhi in 2018, but he did show potential with the bat. He has done well for SRH in the past, and the team would want to utilize the value he adds to the side, including the seam bowling option.

#6 Yusuf Pathan

Yusuf has plenty of IPL and other T20 experience, which can come handy throughout the season

Pathan had an ordinary 2018 IPL, but we all know what he can do on his day. He is a very handy finisher, can hit sixes at will and also provides an off-spin bowling option on turning wickets. Pathan is a must at number 6.

#7 Abhishek Sharma

Abhishek is also one of the many U19 stars who impressed one and all in 2018 IPL

Sharma has been excellent for India U19 and won many hearts when he smashed 46 runs off just 19 balls for Delhi in 2018. He is the future of Indian cricket and SRH must make full use of his talent. Apart from finishing off innings with big hits, Sharma also bowls left-arm orthodox, something that will benefit the side greatly, as most teams have a number of right-handed batsmen.

#8 Rashid Khan

The young man from Afghanistan is the undisputed best T20 bowler in the world

Can we ever imagine a side having this man and not playing him? Noooo! Rashid Khan walks in at number 8 with the ability to slam colossal sixes and do what not with the ball? The seeming magician with the ball is certain to scalp a lot of wickets and deceive batsmen.

#9 Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Bhuvi missed quite a bit of IPL 2018 and looked way less effective than his usual self

India's first choice new ball bowler has looked off colour of late and would want to be in rhythm prior to the 2019 World Cup. Thus, Bhuvi would look to be back in old IPL form, when he used to be a top contender for the purple cap.

#10 Billy Stanlake

Stanlake uses his height to his advantage while bowling fast

The Aussie fast-bowler has been phenomenal for his side in the Big Bash League. He missed most of IPL 2018, owing to an injury, but can do wonders for SRH if he plays throughout and therefore, is a must include.

#11 Siddarth Kaul or Shahbaz Nadeem

Siddharth Kaul (left) and Shahbaz Nadeem (right)

A tricky one. This will depend on the nature of the pitch. If it is expected to be a turner, no harm playing a third spinner in the form of Nadeem, the first two being Rashid and Abhishek. However, if the wicket is slightly more seam-inclining, Kaul could be a better pick. Shankar, however, will remain the third seaming option. Let's talk about both one by one.

Siddarth Kaul

Kaul: Deserving or just a fluke?

Kaul has seen everything in 2018, right from bowling exceptionally well and being a purple cap contender to being selected for India, to being rendered ineffective and then being dropped. He would be playing to make a comeback to the national side and try and stay this time.

Shahbaz Nadeem

Nadeem: So close yet so far...

Nadeem has been a seasoned campaigner, someone who has always been just a step or two away from national selection. Shahbaz has been playing IPL for quite some time and has learned a lot from the best in the business.

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Possible replacements

As mentioned before, Guptill can replace either of Warner and Kane Williamson as and when required.

Shakib can come in to replace Billy Stanlake, and play in place of Shankar, Yusuf or Sharma while Kaul or Khaleel or Sandeep Sharma could take the seamer's spot.

Deepak Hooda can play in place of any of the number 5 to 7 batsman.