4 players SRH can target for IPL 2023 if they release Kane Williamson

Kane Williamson had a disappointing outing in IPL 2022. The Kiwi was the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad and the player failed both with the bat and his captaincy. Since he is a retained player and costs more than INR 14 Cr, SRH could consider releasing the cricketer. On that note, in this article, we take a look at four players SRH can target for IPL 2023 if they release Kane Williamson.

Although SRH will still try to re-sign Kane, due to auction dynamics, they will have to keep in mind a few other options. The team already has captaincy candidates in the form of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Nicholas Pooran. Hence, it is not a big issue in that aspect.

1) Dawid Malan

Dawid Malan is one of the players SRH can target for IPL 2023 if they release Kane Williamson. If SRH is targeting a player in the mould of Kane Williamson, they can go for Dawid Malan, who will come at a cheap price. The player is more naturally suited to the No.3 role, which will allow Rahul Tripathi to open the batting alongside Abhishek Sharma. The Englishman does not have a confirmed spot in his country's T20 XI. Hence, he will also be motivated to perform in IPL.

2) Ben Stokes

If Ben Stokes makes himself available for IPL 2023, SRH should target him straightaway. If SRH releases Kane Williamson, they are likely to have the highest purse. Hence, they can exert a monopoly when it comes to Ben Stokes. With the arrival of the English all-rounder, SRH will also have a good captaincy candidate. With regards to his batting position, Stokes will be a good fit at No.3. Rahul Tripathi can then open the batting for the franchise.

3) Steve Smith

Steve Smith is also one of the players SRH can target for IPL 2023 if they release Kane Williamson. The Aussie was unsold at IPL 2022 Mega-Auctions. Hence, the demand for him will be less in the next auctions, as well. SRH can rely on Steve Smith because he has the experience of captaining and also doing well in IPL. The player is good against spin and will be useful for SRH when the tournament returns to the home-and-away format.

4) Paul Stirling

Paul Stirling is one of the most dangerous openers in world cricket at the moment. Unfortunately, he is not getting a chance to show his skills in IPL. That said, SRH can target the Irishman to replace Kane Williamson. SRH did not have explosive starts in IPL 2022 and Stirling can solve that issue easily. However, the franchise will also have to make a move for a good reserve opener because Paul is not experienced on Indian tracks.