After a disappointing eighth place finish in the previous tournament, the Hyderabad side have overhauled their squad and are looking to a winning start
Post Date – 11:00 PM, Saturday – 4/1/23
The Sunrisers Hyderabad team trains at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal Hyderabad. Photo: Surya Sridhar
Hyderabad: 2016 IPL champions Sunrisers Hyderabad hope to turn a new leaf. After a disappointing eighth place finish in the previous tournament, the Hyderabad side overhauled their squad to host last year’s final at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Uppal, Hyderabad on Sunday. They’re off to a winning start when they play Rajasthan Royals.
The team management has done a commendable job by putting together a strong unit, unlike previous editions where a fragile mid and lower order was the main concern. They have handed over the captaincy to South Africa’s Aiden Markram, who recently proved his mettle by leading East Cape Sunrise to the SA20 title. However, the Proteas were unable to take part in the opening match due to national commitments.
Also missing his countryman Heinrich Klaassen and walker Marko Janssen for the opening game. In the absence of Markram, veteran Bhuvneshwar Kumar will lead the team. The batting movement looked strong, including Mayank Agarwal who was about to open.
They played deep in Rahul Tripathi, Glenn Phillips and notorious recruit Harry Brook, as well as all-around players Abhishek Sharma and Washington Sundar. Considering that Brooks has proven his ability with the bat, he can spend a lot of money to buy Brooks.
In the bowling department, Hyderabad, as always, relies heavily on Bhuvneshwar. T Natarajan, speed trader Umran Malik provides a nice change to the unit. Adil Rashi has to shoulder the load in the spin department, while Washington can bowl shrewdly in power play. Mayank Markande is another notable spinner in the lineup.
Rajasthan Royals, on the other hand, will be hoping to continue their form from last year after their final appearance last year. Jos Butler, last year’s orange cap holder, is a major threat because of his ability to put any bowling attack to the sword.
Next up was the talented Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal and skipper Sanju Samson, a batting unit that is a tough one for any bowling unit. The addition of Shimron Hetmyer, all-rounder Jason Holder and Riyan Parag adds even more firepower.
The bowling department also put on a strong appearance, led by Trent Boult. Spinning duo Yuzvendra Chahal, the previous year’s Purple Cap holder and Ravichandran Ashwin formed a lethal combination.
With the IPL returning to Hyderabad after a three-year hiatus with new rules in place, the first match at the Uppal Stadium will draw crowds on Sunday.
