Although SRH have got a few crucial wins in IPL 2020, their future plans are unlikely to change. For a few years now, the team has depended massively on their foreign batsmen and Indian bowlers to bag points. However, the strategy has backfired this season. With many not being in form, SRH are languishing in the bottom half of the table.
It is clear that SRH would want to rectify their mistakes in the future. They would need the mega-auction to happen as per plan in 2021. This way, the squad could get a good chance of fielding a more balanced unit next season. Hence, if at all the auction becomes bigger, here are six players the Hyderabad-based unit must target.
1. Ajinkya Rahane
SRH is one team that lacks an experienced Indian professional. For IPL teams, such a player is very necessary. Aloof from the on-field performances, a veteran Indian international is required to hold the group, which majorly consists of uncapped Indian players together. Well, apart from this job, Rahane would also add steel to the batting unit. On his day, the Mumbai batsman is dangerous, and moreover, with him around, the likes of Warner and Pandey can play more freely. Rahane’s inclusion would also allow SRH to play a foreigner in the lower middle-order.
2. Ishan Kishan
Mumbai Indians could fail to retain Ishan Kishan if there is a mega-auction. Hence, SRH must target the Jharkand-player at the auctions. Ishan is a wicket-keeper batsman, and therefore, SRH could get more options when deciding their playing XI. The left-hander is a free-flowing batsman and will be a fine attacking addition to the middle-order. Keeping the future in mind, Ishan would also be a fine pick.
3. Shakib Al Hasan
Shakib Al Hasan will be back on the field next year. The Bangladesh all-rounder was part of SRH in 2019, and in fact, if not for the ban, Shakib would have been in UAE playing for the same franchise this edition. Nevertheless, once he comes back, SRH must re-sign him. He is the perfect option at No.5 and the most-suited spin partner for Rashid Khan. Shakib’s captaincy skills will also add value to the SRH unit.
4. Marcus Stoinis
If SRH somehow cannot keep hold of Jonny Bairstow, Marcus Stoinis could act as an able replacement. Stoinis opens the innings in BBL, and he could do that in SRH too. Moreover, with him at the top, SRH would also get an additional bowling option in the XI. This would help the balance of the squad become better. If an Indian player is slotted alongside David Warner, Stoinis could alsp acclimatize himself to the middle-order as well.
5. Ravichandran Ashwin
Rashid Khan has not had adequate support in the spin-bowling department this season. The likes of Abhishek Sharma, Abdul Samad, and Shahbaz Nadeem have only been used to fill the gaps rather than as wicket-taking options. Ravichandran Ashwin could be an absolute bonker of addition to SRH if that ever happens. Ashwin will thrive alongside Rashid, and SRH would also have some experience in their arsenal. The TN boy will also improve the batting in the lower order.
6. Mayank Markhande
It is shocking that RR have hardly used Mayank Markhande in IPL 2020. Mayank is a wicket-taking option, and there is plenty of potential in him. RR are sure to release him if there is a mega-auction. For SRH, Mayank would be a good buy. He can be Rashid’s backup and on spinning pitches, he could even be his partner. The Punjab-spinner’s addition to the bowling unit will provide more variety to the attack.
