IPL 2024 finalist Sunrisers Hyderabad revamped everything and came out on top in the last edition, thanks to their new captain, Pat Cummins, and key players such as Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, and Heinrich Klaasen. Their destructive batting often dethroned opponents, and there are multiple matches where they scored more than 200 runs, and sometimes even made more than 250 runs. The idea of SRH in the past was towards more of a defensive approach team, but they have completely transformed their style.
It is fair to say that their openers, Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head, played a vital role in this transformation. However, with the mega auction coming, it won’t be easy for them to decide whom to retain and whom not to, as they have many big names they would love to keep. But they can only retain a total of six players, and if we assume they will choose five initially and have take one Right to Match card, so which names can SRH target via RTM? See three names, out of which one SRH can consider for the Right to Match card.
Players SRH can target via RTM in IPL 2025 mega auction
Aiden Markram
South Africa’s T20I captain, Aiden Markram, is one name that SRH could consider using for the RTM card instead of retaining him in the first lot. Markram’s performance last year was a mixed bag; he performed below expectations. However, there is no question about his capabilities. From making runs in the middle overs to controlling the flow of runs whenever he bowls, he could be an asset for the team once again. We may see SRH looking to bring him back.
Washington Sundar
Recently, Sundar made headlines by picking up seven wickets in the first innings of the Pune Test against New Zealand. Initially, it seemed like he was creating chances but could not get into the pack. However, it now appears that there will be some changes that SRH could make, and they will look to get him back since teams need bowlers who can control runs. For now, there are limited names for this job. The team did impressively well from a batting perspective, but the Orange Army will also look to make a mark with their bowling. In that case, they can consider Washington Sundar, though not as a first choice but possibly via RTM.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Last but not least, how will SRH treat Indian veteran Bhuvneshwar Kumar? Surely, this pacer is not enjoying the heights he was reaching a few years back, taking wickets all over and also able to control runs. But not to forget, he is their oldest player. Currently, not playing at the elite level may lead to his release, but it could be out-of-the-box thinking for SRH if they go for this big name . However, looking at the squad, where they already have players like Pat Cummins, Heinrich Klaasen, and Abhishek Sharma, whom they look to get first, makes it difficult for Bhuvneshwar Kumar to get into the mix before the auction. So, we can expect that if he goes into the auction, there is a slight chance he could get back into the camp via RTM, but surely not at a high price.
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