IPL 2017: Sunrisers Hyderabad all-time XI
The Sunrisers Hyderabad surprised quite a few people by winning the title in IPL 2016 ahead of more fancied teams like the Royal Challengers Bangalore, the Mumbai Indians and the Kolkata Knight Riders. Most of us would agree that the man responsible for this success was their inspirational captain who led from the front and almost single-handedly inspired his side to the top – David Warner.
By scoring a total of 848 runs in the tournament, second only to Virat Kohli’s 963, Warner showed how a side can do wonders if led well. Over the years too, SRH, which used to be Deccan Chargers till the 2012 season of the IPL, have had wonderful leaders like Adam Gilchrist, Kumar Sangakkara and Cameron White who have led them with distinction and have produced some very good results for the team.
Extra Cover: IPL 2017: Evolution of Team Hyderabad
They have been blessed with a mix of explosive as well as stylish players over the years which make them one of the most dangerous and unpredictable sides in the IPL.
In this vein, let’s take a look at what can be called the all-time greatest XI of the Sunrisers Hyderabad. This side has a mix of players right from the 2008 season when they were the Deccan Chargers and not just from the SRH side which was formed in 2013.
Also, to maintain a pattern and consistency, the cut-off number of matches is 25 and the IPL rule of 4 foreign players and 7 Indians in the XI has been used.
#1 Adam Gilchrist
Undisputedly the greatest wicketkeeper-batsman of all time, Adam Gilchrist was one of the biggest names signed by the Deccan Chargers for the inaugural edition of the IPL.
He wasn’t made the captain initially as the responsibility went to VVS Laxman, but he soon took over the mantle. After a dismal season in 2008 where the team finished last, he scripted a fairytale turnaround in 2009 in which he led his team to the title in a tense final against the RCB.
His numbers, as in the international arena, were quite impressive for the Deccan Chargers; the highlight being a stunning 42-ball hundred against the Mumbai Indians. He would be my first pick in the XI as well as the captain.
| Matches | Runs | Average | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s |
| 46 | 1220 | 27.11 | 147.34 | 1 | 7 | 136 | 64 |