Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) has welcomed many renowned cricketers since its debut in 2013. While stars like David Warner and Bhuvneshwar Kumar are the faces of the team, several other players, less associated with SRH, have also contributed to its journey.
Let’s explore five players you might be surprised to know once wore the SRH jersey.
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5. Quinton de Kock
Role: Wicketkeeper-Batsman
Years Active: 2013-2014
South African wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock had a brief stint with SRH during its early years. Although he didn’t play many matches, his talent was evident in the few opportunities he got.
De Kock’s explosive batting style, which would later make him a star in international cricket and T20 leagues, was glimpsed during his time with SRH.
4. Thisara Perera
Role: All-Rounder
Years Active: 2013-2015
Thisara Perera, the Sri Lankan all-rounder, played for SRH during their initial seasons. Known for his aggressive batting and effective medium-pace bowling, Perera was a useful asset to the team.
Although his time with SRH didn’t feature headline-grabbing performances, his versatility added depth and balance to the squad, making him an integral part of the early lineup.
3. Dale Steyn
Role: Fast Bowler
Years Active: 2013-2018
Dale Steyn, one of the most feared fast bowlers in cricket, was a key figure for Sunrisers Hyderabad. His lethal pace and ability to swing the ball made him a crucial player in SRH’s bowling attack.
Steyn’s spells often left opposition batsmen struggling, and his contributions solidified SRH’s reputation as a team with a strong bowling core.
2. Shikhar Dhawan
Role: Opening Batsman
Years Active: 2013-2018
Shikhar Dhawan is better known for his later achievements with Delhi Capitals, but his time at SRH was equally impactful. Dhawan was a vital opening batsman for the team, and his partnerships with David Warner were legendary.
Together, they formed one of the most consistent and destructive opening pairs in IPL history, giving SRH solid starts that often paved the way for victory.
1. Jonny Bairstow
Role: Wicketkeeper-Batsman
Years Active: 2019-2021
Jonny Bairstow quickly became a fan favorite after joining SRH. Known for his aggressive stroke play, Bairstow’s ability to score fast runs helped SRH in crucial matches.
His dynamic presence at the top of the order, paired with fellow opener David Warner, added an explosive edge to SRH’s batting. Bairstow’s performances were crucial to the team’s success during his tenure.
Conclusion
These five players may not be the first names you associate with Sunrisers Hyderabad, but their contributions significantly shaped the team. From Quinton de Kock’s early flashes of brilliance to Jonny Bairstow’s aggressive batting, these players helped define SRH’s journey in the IPL. Their stories add a surprising depth to SRH’s cricketing legacy, proving that sometimes, unexpected players leave the strongest mark.
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