IPL 2023: Who can the Sunrisers Hyderabad release before the mini-auction?

Kane Williamson [Source: Twitter]

Although they don't enter the tournament with a star-studded squad, the Sunrisers Hyderabad always push themselves and end up being among the top three-four teams. But since David Warner has left, Hyderabad are missing that fighting spirit and that was what reflected in their performance in the IPL 2022. 

Despite having a formidable unit, SRH managed only six wins in fourteen encounters. Now, with the IPL mini-auction coming up, they are expected to release some of their marquee players, who didn't turn up for them in the mega event. 

So, let's analyse which players the Sunrisers will likely release before this year's mini auction. 

Kane Williamson (14 Cr)

SRH preferred retaining Kane Williamson over Warner and Rashid Khan in a whopping amount of 14 Crores before the 2022 mega auction. However, this move backfired on them, as Williamson managed only 216 runs at a mediocre average of 19.64 and an abysmal strike rate 93.51. Also, he has been struggling with his form in the shortest format since recovering from the elbow injury. 

Additionally, SRH have Aiden Markram, who performed admirably last season, hammering 381 runs at an impressive average of 47.63 and a brilliant strike rate of 139.05. There are Priyam Garg, Rahul Tripathi and Abhishek Sharma in the squad. So, I don't think they will have any issue at the top order upon releasing Williamson. 

Romario Shepherd (7.75 Cr)

SRH bagged the services of the hard-hitting West Indies all-rounder for a huge price tag, which he miserably failed to justify in the tournament. Although he played a couple of decent cameos down the order, the 27-year-old couldn't put much impact with the ball, claiming only three wickets at a poor economy rate of 10.89. So, I honestly feel SRH can find a better player for the same role in that price. 

Fazalhaq Farooqi (50 Lakhs)

The promising Afghanistan seamer had an underwhelming IPL 2022 campaign, scalping only three wickets at an abysmal economy rate of 9.17. Also, SRH have his upgraded version in Marco Jansen, who can not only bowl better at the death, but also provide batting depth. So, in all likelihood, I believe Hyderabad will release Farooqi to the auction pool. 

Washington Sundar (8.75 Cr)

Another marquee player who couldn't do justice to his price tag was Washington Sundar. The southpaw scored only 101 runs at an average of 14.43 while picking six wickets in nine innings at an unimpressive economy of 8.54. 

Additionally, he has recently had injury issues and will probably be doubtful for some matches in the tournament. So, looking at his form and fitness, the franchise might let him go to the mini-auction pool. 

If SRH release these players, they will have an additional 31 Crores in their purse, which they can use to fill the voids in their squad. 

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