SRH Auction Strategy: Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have a lot of thinking to do ahead of the upcoming IPL auction. Last season was nothing short of a roller coaster – a season where the team went from record-breaking highs to forgettable lows. When SRH fired, they did it in style, posting mammoth totals like 278 and 247. But when they faltered, they collapsed spectacularly, even getting bowled out for just 120.
The inconsistency wasn’t limited to the batting department. The bowling unit – once the team’s biggest strength – looked completely out of rhythm. That’s where the management now needs to make some bold calls.
Mohammed Shami To be Kept or Released?
The first and perhaps toughest decision concerns Mohammed Shami. Bought for Rs 10 crore, Shami managed only six wickets across nine matches, conceding runs at an economy rate of over 11. Clearly, last season wasn’t kind to him.
However, recent performances in the Ranji Trophy suggest a strong comeback in form. The big question for SRH is “Do you trust that domestic form enough to retain him, or release him and try to buy him back at a cheaper price?”
If SRH does release him, it opens up a hefty Rs 10 crore in the purse but it also means they’ll need a new strike bowler for the powerplay overs.
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Ishan Kishan Gamble
Next in the firing line could be Ishan Kishan, who was bought for Rs 11.25 crore. He started the season with a bang, smashing a century in the opening game, but his form nosedived afterward. Across the remaining 13 innings, he added only about 250 runs, ending the season with just 350 runs – a poor return given the price tag.
Releasing him could free another Rs 11.25 crore, taking the total freed-up amount to Rs 21.25 crore (with Shami and Kishan gone). Kishan could still be an option to buy back at a more reasonable price, depending on the auction dynamics.
Availability and Injury Concerns for Adam Zampa
The third possible release is Adam Zampa. His limited availability and recurring injury issues have made him an unreliable pick. Letting him go would free an additional Rs 2.4 crore, taking SRH’s total available funds to around Rs 23.5 crore – a significant amount to reshape the squad.
What Does SRH Need Now?
With those releases, SRH will have several key gaps to fill:
- A Top-Order Batsman: If Ishan Kishan is released, SRH will need a reliable opener or top-order batter – someone who can provide stability while others play around him.
- A Powerplay Bowler: Releasing Shami means SRH must find a genuine wicket-taking bowler with new ball skills. The powerplay was a big weakness last season.
- A Middle-Order Anchor: SRH’s batting lineup needs a player who can adapt – anchor the innings when required, or accelerate and “cancel the program” of the opposition when the situation demands.
- A Quality Spinner: Perhaps the most glaring hole in SRH’s setup was the lack of a dependable spinner. Rahul had his moments, but the team desperately needs a frontline spinner who can control the middle overs and pick crucial wickets.
The Road Ahead
With around Rs 23.5 crore potentially available, SRH have the financial flexibility to make smart moves in the auction. But money alone won’t fix what went wrong last year. The management needs to build a balanced side – not just big hitters and fast bowlers, but players who can deliver consistently across conditions.
Last season’s motto seemed to be: “If you do it, do it to the limit or cancel the program.” This time, SRH will hope for a new mantra – Consistency over chaos.
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