'The quality he brings... We'll see him play a new role': Yusuf Pathan selects SRH's trump card ahead of IPL 2023
Former cricketer Yusuf Pathan analysed SRH ahead of IPL 2023, and pointed out that a new acquisition could become their trump card player for the new season.
Cricket fans around the world are gearing up for some epic extravaganza, with the highly-anticipated IPL 2023 scheduled to begin on March 31. Defending champions Gujarat Titans face Chennai Super Kings in the season opener, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Last season saw debutants GT defeat Rajasthan Royals in the final to win the title. With the new season set to begin, fans and experts have begun to analyse every franchise, with some being labelled as favourites and some as underdogs.
Having been poor last season, SunRisers Hyderabad are considered to be one of the underdogs. SRH finished in eighth position in the ten-team table, with 12 points from 14 games, including six wins and eight defeats. With a new captain in the guise of Aiden Markram at the helm, SRH made some smart additions during the IPL 2023 auction, including breaking the bank for Harry Brook and Mayank Agarwal. England's Brook was acquired for ₹13.25 crores and Mayank was roped in for ₹8.25 crores.
Despite these big buys, the team will still have a huge task ahead and will need to find their perfect playing XI. Ahead of IPL 2023, former SRH player Yusuf Pathan analysed the Markram-led side and pointed out that a new acquisition could be their trump card for the new season. Speaking on Star Sports, the former India all-rounder said, “Adil Rashid, the quality of spin bowling that he brings to the table.”
Rashid was acquired for ₹2 crores and was pivotal in England's T20 World Cup success. "He has been excellent for England also and he is a wonderful wicket-taking bowler. Plus, he can bowl with the new ball too. He can bowl in the middle overs and in the death overs too! We will see him play a new role now", Pathan further added.
Rashid also received plenty of praise from England captain Jos Buttler for his performances in the ICC event, and could bring something special to SRH with his experience and calmness. Other than Rashid, Brook and Mayank, the franchise also splurged on Heinrich Klaasen for ₹5.25 crores and purchased Vivrant Sharma for ₹2.6 crores. Meanwhile, the other additions are Mayank Dagar ( ₹1.8 crores), Akeal Hosein ( ₹1 crore), Mayank Markande ( ₹50 lakhs), Upendra Singh Yadav ( ₹25 lakhs), Sanvir Singh ( ₹20 lakhs), Anmolpreet Singh ( ₹20 lakhs), Samarth Vyas ( ₹20 lakhs) and Nitish Kumar Reddy ( ₹20 lakhs).