IPL 2022: Muttiah Muralitharan Says Abhishek Sharma And Kane Williamson Will Open For SRH

Sunrisers Hyderabad spin bowling coach Muttiah Muralithran revealed that Abhishek Sharma and Kane Williamson could be their new opening pair in IPL 2022.

The Orange Army purchased a total of 20 players in the recently concluded IPL 2022 auction. SRH have drafted 23 players, eight overseas, in their squad for next edition and will be led by New Zealand’s Kane Williamson.

Sunrisers Hyderabad bought all-rounder Abhishek Sharma for INR 6.5 crores after being in contention with Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans to bag the deal of the Punjab player.

Sharma made his IPL debut for Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals) against Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2018 with a rampaging 46 runs from 19 balls.

In 2019, the Delhi franchise traded three players including Abhishek to SRH in a swap deal of Shikhar Dhawan. Abhishek has played 19 matches for the Orange army and was part of their middle-order batting order when David Warner and Jonny Bairstow used to open the innings.

Abhishek Sharma was pretty much part of our initial plans: Muttiah Muralitharan

Abhishek holds a batting average of 17.21 in IPL, however, SRH seems to promote him up the batting order to allow him to play with explosive hitting.

“Abhishek was pretty much part of our initial plans. He was in and out of the side last season, but we want him to assume greater responsibility this time. We want him to open the batting alongside Kane. That will help us get a good left-hand, right-hand combination at the top,” Muralitharan told Sportskeeda.

Our goal is to win the title this season: Muttiah Muralitharan

The former Sri Lanka spinner, who has 1347 international wickets, wants the youngsters to step up and take the responsibility for SRH.

“Obviously, our goal is to win the title this season, but we have to plan for the next three years as well. That’s why the mega auction is so crucial for every team. We want Abhishek, [Priyam] Garg and Samad to contribute heavily and become the faces of the team going forward,” Muralitharan said.

Sunrisers Hyderabad had retained Kane Williamson along with the India’s uncapped duo of Abdul Samad and Umran Malik.

Also Read: Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) Full Squad After IPL Auction 2022