SRH SWOT analysis: SunRisers Hyderabad strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats for IPL 2023

While the 2022 season was not great for the SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH), there comes a lot of promise with the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. They have made smart moves in the market and attained the services of players who can make a massive impact in the tournament. The team will be lead by South African cricket player Aiden Markram, who will be making his debut in the tournament as the skipper. SRH made quite a few interesting buys at the mini auction last year, roping in the likes of Mayank Agarwal and Harry Brooks, both of who are exceptional at their craft and can prove to be of great value to the team as they head into the tournament.

It has been a long wait for SRH fans since the last time they won the IPL crown. This year’s squad on paper seems to be primed to win the franchise their second title win and with good reason. Completely balanced in every way possible and with a batting lineup that goes deeper than perhaps any other team in the tournament, SRH seem like a force to be reckoned with. They also have fantastic bowling options and a brilliant all-rounder department. With that in mind, here is a look at the franchise’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats ahead of the 2023 IPL season.

Strengths

Let’s put it this way, every department of SRH is a strength. Given their 25-man squad, the team can choose a batting order that can go as deep as number eight or nine. Abhishek Sharma, Rahul Tripathi and Mayank Agarwal make up a fine Indian top three, which can be followed by the middle order of Aiden Markram, Harry Brook, Heinrich Klassen and Washington Sundar. The explosive Kiwi Glenn Phillips is also on the squad and can be played in place of any of the aforementioned overseas players.

Their bowling attack seems well set, with the likes of Adil Rashid and Washington Sundar, both of who can strive in Indian conditions. And if that’s not enough, there’s the tremendous Indian pace attack that consists of T Natarajan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Umran Malik.

Weaknesses

There are no apparent weaknesses that catch the eye when one looks at the SRH squad on paper. One thing that might turn out to be a bit of a problem is the fact that it will be Markram’s first season as a skipper in the IPL. Dealing with the pressure of the tournament and managing your best XI is no easy feat and the Protean might find himself a bit out of his depth as the tournament goes on.

Opportunities

The opportunities are endless for a team that has a completely Indian top order and pace attack. All the players mentioned above in these two categories will be raring to go and prove a point and if the team clicks, there is nothing that can stop them from winning their second IPL crown.

Threats

To be completely honest, it is very difficult to find a threat in this team that is apparent. The franchise has invested in great players and they have exceptional backups and options for every single position.