The SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) made significant changes to their roster by releasing seven players ahead of the upcoming 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, scheduled for December 19 in Dubai. After a challenging 2023 campaign that saw them finish at the bottom of the points table with just four wins in 14 matches, SRH aimed to address their issues by reshuffling their team.
However, the question remains: Did SRH make the right choices in letting certain players go? History has shown that the franchise has, at times, unintentionally allowed exceptional talent to slip away, as seen with players like Rashid Khan and David Warner.
As we assess SRH’s squad leading up to the IPL 2024 auction, which includes notable names such as Aiden Markram, Mayank Agarwal, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, it’s crucial to spotlight three players who, in hindsight, should have been retained.
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3 Players SRH Shouldn’t Have Released
1. Harry Brook
Despite a challenging maiden IPL campaign where he managed only 190 runs in 11 matches at an average of 21.11, Harry Brook’s potential remains undeniable. Signed for a substantial ₹13.25 crore, the dynamic batter displayed glimpses of his capabilities, especially with a century against the Kolkata Knight Riders. With unmatched range and versatility, Brook’s ability to attack from the outset and adapt to different batting positions could have added valuable depth to SRH’s lineup.
Given the strength of their Indian bowling stocks, retaining Brook might have been a strategic move to harness his future world-beating potential.
2. Kartik Tyagi
The decision to release Kartik Tyagi, a young and promising fast bowler, raises eyebrows. Despite limited opportunities in the last two IPL seasons, Tyagi remains one of India’s brightest prospects.
He is known for his pace, he showcased his talent in domestic tournaments, picking up three or more wickets in several Vijay Hazare Trophy games. With a long career ahead and a modest ₹4 crore contract, Tyagi’s release might be a decision SRH regrets if he attracts a higher bid at the IPL 2024 auction.
3. Vivrant Sharma
Vivrant Sharma, an all-rounder with leg-spin capabilities, played three matches for SRH in IPL 2023, impressing with a positive 69 against the Mumbai Indians. While he didn’t have ample opportunities, his potential shone through during the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he scored 144 and 83 in consecutive innings for Jammu & Kashmir.
SRH’s decision to release Sharma, despite investing ₹2.6 crore in him, might be a missed opportunity.
All-rounders with leg-spin prowess are rare, and Sharma’s recent form suggests he has the potential to develop into a key player.
As SRH heads into the IPL 2024 auction, these reconsiderations might serve as valuable lessons in player retention and strategic team-building for the franchise.
