(Image Source: AFP)
[Saba Sports News] Following the ICC ODI World Cup, New Zealand’s emerging talent Rachin Ravindra has caught the cricket world’s attention. As the IPL 2024 auction nears, scheduled for December 19 in Dubai, former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan suggests SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) should focus on acquiring this promising all-rounder.
SRH, with a substantial budget of INR 34 crores, can recruit six players, including three from overseas. Pathan advises that SRH needs a wicket-taking spinner and sees Ravindra as a perfect fit who could also double as a backup opener. He said on Star Sports, “SRH needs more than just Mayank Markande in terms of spin. Ravindra could be key for them, especially with Washington Sundar and Marco Jansen already strengthening their all-rounders’ unit.”
Emphasizing Ravindra’s role, Pathan added, “Having a backup opener is crucial. SRH should pursue Ravindra strongly.”
Cricket analyst Sanjay Manjrekar concurred, noting Ravindra’s value in enhancing SRH’s squad, especially alongside Aiden Markram and Glenn Phillips, who offer additional spin options. Manjrekar is confident in SRH’s pace attack, highlighting T Natarajan, Umran Malik, Marco Jansen, and spinners like Mayank Markande and Shahbaz Ahmed.
However, Manjrekar also pointed out the need for top-order backups for Abhishek Sharma and Rahul Tripathi. He suggested SRH should build a robust squad to improve on their last season’s performance, saying, “To rebound from their previous bottom finish, SRH should have alternatives for Sharma and Tripathi.”