Hyderabad Team in Indian T20 League 2022

By Vivek Krishnan

Hyderabad have always been a force to reckon with since 2013. In 2016, the Men in Orange also went on to win their maiden title, under the leadership of David Warner.

However, in 2021, Hyderabad experienced their worst-ever season, finishing last on the points table with only three wins under their belt. The untimely controversy around Warner too worsened matters. If anything, it ruptured the relationship between the franchise and fans.

At the 2022 auction, though, Hyderabad invested in youth with an objective to carve out a bright future for the franchise. Meanwhile, Kane Williamson, who has served the team for seven years, will continue his leadership role.

 Game Changers

The Hyderabad think-tank is keen on Williamson opening the batting. The Kiwi great is expected to hold the innings together, with his watchful stroke play. That said, Williamson is known to keep pace with the run rate and often finds gaps to accumulate runs. He will be a key pick in fantasy leagues.

Key Contributors
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been shouldering the bowling responsibility for a while. Besides striking early with the new ball, he is also known for his economical bowling at the death. Given his experience, he will be expected to monitor and guide the next generation of pace bowlers in the Hyderabad squad.

Although Umran Malik played only three games in 2021, his hostile bowling made headlines.One would imagine that theJammu pacer would be a regular feature going forward, post his retention.

Hyderabad have also done well to absorbfeisty seamer Kartik Tyagi into the mix.

Newcomers
Hyderabad will be thrilled with the inclusion of Aiden Markram and Rahul Tripathi. While the South African batter showcased his potential last year in Punjab colours, Tripathi was an integral part of Kolkata’s line-up. Interestingly, both are capable of batting in the top four.

Meanwhile, Nicholas Pooran will play the role of a finisher. Although he infuriated the Punjab management with his inconsistency in 2021, the West Indian batter scored three consecutive fifties in the recently concluded T20 series in India. In addition to his swashbuckling batting, the southpaw can also keep wickets.

Strengths
Historically, Hyderabad have always been a formidable bowling unit. In the past, they have won multiple games, thanks to the bowling heroics. Holding onto their beliefs, the franchise has once again compiled a potent attack. Although they let go champion spinner Rashid Khan,the mix of Indian and overseas professionals makes Hyderabad’s bowling formidable.

With the addition of Tripathi and Markram,Hyderabad have sorted out their top-order problems. With each player capable of performing a specific role, the middle-order is likely to feel less burdened.

Weaknesses
Much of Hyderabad’s problems in the previous season stemmed from the fact that their lower-order struggled to finishgames from winning positions. Young guns Abhishek Sharma, Priyam Garg, and Abdul Samad were all given the opportunity but failed to leave any positive impression.
While Pooran’s pyrotechnics may win a few games for Hyderabad going forward, punting on the young brigade for a grand finish could prove to be a folly once again.

Final Word
The Hyderabad management wanted a young team and managed to create one at the auction. Staying true to their belief, they have also gathered a battery of pace bowlers who can win games as a group. Barring an area or two, there are no apparent holes in the Hyderabad team.Going into the 15th edition, the 2016 winners should feel good about their chances.