The might of Kane Williamson and the sheer pace of Umran Malik wasn’t enough to propel Sunrisers Hyderabad into the playoffs. Last year’s horror run of just 3 wins from 14 games must have weighed heavily on their minds and they put up a better show this time around. However, they were world beaters one moment with 5 consecutive wins but the very next minute they became whipping boys of the tournament. After last year’s turbulent time, with Warner’s unceremonious sacking, how the franchise will shape up was much anticipated. This is review of SRH in IPL 2022.
Much peaceful dressing room
David Warner, the only captain to have won an IPL trophy for SRH was dumped from captaincy and from the team last year. Till now, what really transpired behind the scene, no one is aware. Warner himself has said that he did not know the reason for his sacking. However, this time around, the dressing room was much more quiet. It must have settled the nerves of the players. Unfortunately, it did not materialise into on-field performance. SRH finished 8th in a 10 team competition. For a team, which has been around for a longtime, it is not something that would have enthused the management. This is a far cry from the period when SRH used to enter the playoffs regularly. It must have left their fans disappointed.
The retention of Umran Malik
It proved to be a masterstroke to retain Malik who repaid the faith imposed on his handsomely. He bowled the fastest delivery of the tournament right until Ferguson broke that mark in the final. His pace rattled all the batsmen in the event. The beautiful part was that not only was he picking up wickets but he was also economical in a lot of games. It was a double whammy. Indian cricket has a lot to thank SRH for. India may have unearthed a bowler who will sent shivers down the throats of the opposing batsmen. If only he can bowl at pace with control, he will win a lot of games for the country.
The other good thing for SRH was the good form of Kumar and the comeback of Natarajan. Kumar was exceptional at the start and at the end overs.
High point of the season
The game against RCB without a shadow of doubt. SRH absolutely blew RCB away in the game with the match itself lasting just 24 overs. A meagre target of 68 was overhauled in just 8 overs. Much was expected from SRH after this game. They were strong contenders for the title but events took a different turn for them.
Low point of the season
Five straight losses right after the RCB thrashing. This was stunning reversal of form. They lost to GT, CSK, DC, RCB and KKR consecutively thereby effectively were ruled out of playoffs.
The omission of Rashid Khan
It was a major surprise when SRH did not chose to retain Rashid Khan. What were they thinking? Here you had a diamond, who has been with you for a longtime, yet, SRH did not chose to retain him nor bid for him. Rashid Khan proved how valuable he is with Gujarat Titans. He virtually held Buttler in a spin and played a crucial part in Gujarat’s title win. Looks like SRH preferred Sundar over Rashid. They failed to understand that Sundar is a much better batsman than a bowler and moreover, he is not that good in T20. SRH would have been better off with Rashid Khan.
Biggest disappointment for SRH
It was their captain, Kane Williamson. Being announced the captain when Warner left, much was expected of him but he wasn’t able to perform. Yet, he was persisted with and by the time, he left India, it was too late already. There were options to replace Williamson at the top but that wasn’t taken.
It wasn’t all doom and gloom for SRH. Rahul Tripathi & Aiden Markaram were solid in the middle order.
Conclusion to review of SRH in IPL 2022
In Umran Malik, SRH has a bankable bowler who will go onto lead their attack for the foreseeable future. What they need is a quality spinner. Chahal and Hasaranga were the leading wicket takers in the season with Rashid Khan, Kuldeep and Ashwin finding their importance every now and then.
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