Former India opener Aakash Chopra has high expectations from Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) captain Kane Williamson in the 2nd half of IPL 2021 in the UAE. Admitting that SRH is highly questionable to qualify for the playoffs, having won only one of their 7 games, Chopra also added that Williamson could boost the franchise’s resolution with some assured knocks.
Williamson took over as SRH captain close to IPL 2021 was suspended in India after David Warner was dismissed following the franchise’s poor showing. SRH will begin the 2nd half of IPL 2021 in the modern position on the points table.
Analyzing SRH’s chances on his Official YouTube channel, Chopra opined that the team requires a lot more than a change in leadership to turn around their luck.
“SRH won only one match in the first half of IPL 2021. They even changed their captain and replaced David Warner with Kane Williamson. But there are no quick-fix solutions to such problems. There are other issues as well. Their highest run-scorer in the first half – Jonny Bairstow – is not there,” the former cricketer pointed out.
Chopra, still predicted that SRH should perform well in the 2nd half of IPL 2021, thinking they reached the playoffs in the UAE last season and appeared to enjoy playing in the Middle East.
“Looking at the positives, SRH made it to the playoffs the last time the event was held in the UAE. Jason Holder, once again, will be a key player. Kane Williamson always rises to the occasion. He will be expected to deliver again. I think Warner will also enjoy the conditions in the UAE and Rashid Khan is, once again, going to be sensational.”
“They should do reasonably well but I don’t think they will qualify for the playoffs. They won only one of their seven matches in the first half. Had they won at least three, they could have had an outside chance,” Chopra explained.
🚨 ATTENTION #OrangeArmy 🚨
The schedule for the UAE leg of the #IPL is out.
Mark your calendars 🗓#IPL2021 #OrangeOrNothing #SRH pic.twitter.com/KPFfN6UHy7
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) July 25, 2021