IPL 2020: 3 players SRH should try to buy in the IPL auction

The IPL fever is already on with its 13th edition being held in the summer of 2020. Every team, irrespective of their previous record would want to improve on all aspects in order to get better results. 

In order to do that, they will have to shuffle their line up a bit by bringing in some quality players. With the auction taking place on 19th December in Kolkata, each team would be eyeing those players who could fill the gaps that were present in the previous season.

Sunrisers Hyderabad was one of those teams who were competitive but couldn’t mount a serious challenge as their line-up seemed inexperienced and heavily dependent on the top order with their bowlers going for runs occasionally. It’s high time that they rectify these mistakes so that they can win the championship for the second time. 

Let us look at those three players that SRH should target in the upcoming auction: 

Shivam Dube

Apart from the middle order issue, the other concern for SRH is to find a finisher who can strike from the word go. Despite getting good starts on several occasions, they have failed to capitalize due to the lack of a proper finisher. They can address this issue by auctioning for someone like Shivam Dube who is part of RCB as of now.

Despite limited opportunities in the IPL, he has time and again proven his effectiveness with the bat as well with the ball in the domestic circuit for Mumbai. 

Having played in 19 T20s until now, his strike rate is over 140 which is amazing given that he comes in at 7. On the other hand, he bowls his full quota with variations and has a knack of picking wickets at crucial times. 

The all-rounder was the leading wicket-taker for Mumbai in Ranji Trophy with 23 wickets in eight matches. The explosive batsman also hit five sixes against Baroda in a single over proving his capability to hit maximums at will.  

Naman Ojha

The one big problem that SRH is facing is the middle-order conundrum from the last two seasons. The top order is heavy and on their day can decimate even the best attacks. But if the top order fails, there is no player who can carry the innings on their shoulders till the end with the exception of Manish Pandey.

Even the likes of Deepak Hooda or Yusuf Pathan have failed to fire consistently. In order to bring stability to the middle order, there is no harm in getting someone like Naman Ojha who has vast experience across formats. 

He has played for numerous teams in the IPL and has the ability to take his team home. With 113 IPL games under his belt and with over 1500 runs, there is no element of doubt about his induction into the squad. 

The right hander recently smashed a century for Madhya Pradesh against services in Vijay Hazare trophy. Along with his batting, he can also be seen as a back-up wicketkeeper in unfortunate circumstances.

Glenn Phillips

Jony Bairstow has been the go-to wicketkeeper for SRH in all circumstances. It’s not just his skills with the gloves but with the way he bats up the order at the start. But with the international schedule coinciding with the IPL, Bairstow may not be available for the entire season which is a big concern for the team.

Hence, it is very important for them to have a back-up option available for the coming season for which Glen Phillips should be a very good choice. 

This South African born New Zealand cricketer has a lot of experience in the shortest format with the gloves as well as with the bat. Having played in 69 T20s he has amassed 1,986 runs with two tons and 14 fifties. 

He has been the player to watch out for in the 2018 Caribbean Premier League highlighting his impact in the T20s. Despite playing just 11 T20Is, he has shown that he can be a safe bet and is definitely a good prospect for any team he plays for.  

Cover image credits: Deccan Herald