IPL 2019: Potent bowling attack, effective overseas crop could hand SRH the title - SWOT analysis

For Sunrisers Hyderabad, their biggest strength lies in their bowling department - they have perhaps the most potent bowlers in the league which makes them a dominant force.

For Sunrisers Hyderabad, their biggest strength lies in their bowling department - they have perhaps the most potent bowlers in the league which makes them a dominant force. And their batting is no slouch either, Kane Williamson was a rejuvenated batsman last season and this year, he will be joined by David Warner. Quietly, without any fuss, Sunrisers go about their business and like a well-oiled machine, they win matches.

Sunrisers Hyderabad cricket team vice captain Bhuvaneshwar Kumar (L) and teammate David Warner (2R) pose with other players during a press conference in Hyderabad (AFP)

Strengths

1) Bowling attack: Hyderabad bowling attack have defended more low totals than any other side in the league. They have retained their core, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Rashid Khan are the gun bowlers in the side, but the backup options in Siddarth Kaul, Billy Stanlake, Khaleel Ahmed and Shakib Al Hasan make this attack a perfectly rounded one.

2) Effective foreign contingent: Kane Williamson and David Warner will be the key men at the top of the order for the side. Also, Rashid Khan and Shakib al Hasan in the middle order render an almost impregnable look to the side.

Weakness

1) Indian support: Sunrisers success over the past two seasons has hugely depended on the performance of the strong overseas contingent. Warner, Williamson, and Rashid are sure performers for the side and this is where the Indian crew needs to step up as this could be a problematic area for the side.

2) Middle-order worries: 2600 runs were scored by SRH batsmen in 2018 out of which 47.32 percent were scored by Kane Williamson (735) and Shikhar Dhawan (497). The difference between the third highest scorer and Dhawan was 213 runs, which is what SRH need to identify and rectify this season.

Opportunities

Vijay Shankar, after his impressive performances with the Indian team, would hope for a stellar show this season to seal his spot in the World Cup squad.

Also, this is an opportunity for Wriddhiman Saha to remind the selectors that he is around and needs to be looked at.

David Warner is back and this is the season which can convince the Australian selectors to include him in the World Cup playing XI.

Threat

Who will be the wicket-keeper?

Wriddhiman Saha is making a comeback after an extended injury break, Jonny Bairstow might not get enough playing time owing to the already flooding overseas contingent, and Sreevats Goswami was not very impressive last season. This could be a big headache for the management.

Also, looking for an opening partner for David Warner could be an area of concern.

Prediction

With the brilliant bowling attack at their disposal, Sunrisers Hyderabad should definitely make it to the top four. Also, if David Warner and Kane Williamson start humming, they could well be possible finalists.