The 2024 IPL season concluded with the Sunrisers Hyderabad securing the runner-up position. However, their disappointment was compounded by the absence of any Hyderabad-origin players in their squad.
Currently, IPL franchises are not mandated to include local players in their teams. It is perhaps time to reconsider this policy, as integrating homegrown talent could enhance team identity and local support across all IPL franchises, not just the Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Hyderabad faced a particularly notable situation. Their top players—Mohammed Siraj, Tilak Varma, and Tanay Thyagarajan—represented other teams. Siraj played for Royal Challengers Bangalore, Varma for Mumbai Indians, and Thyagarajan for Punjab Kings XI. It would have been prudent for the Sunrisers to make efforts to recruit these talented players.
The 2024 IPL season saw significant contributions from uncapped players, such as Mayank Yadav of Lucknow SuperGiants, who emerged as one of the tournament’s leading fast bowlers. It raises the question of why Sunrisers Hyderabad cannot similarly experiment by giving opportunities to local talent in a few matches.
Former Indian cricketer and seasoned coach Noel David, associated with the St. John’s Cricket Academy, highlights several aspects of this issue. He believes that Hyderabad players must excel to attract attention and should receive robust support from the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA).
“Every player needs a mentor to advocate for them at higher levels. Without such backing, talent alone isn’t enough to secure a place. Unfortunately, our players lack sufficient support behind the scenes. For instance, Ravi Teja could succeed in the IPL format, but he lacks promotion,” David remarked.
David also emphasized the importance of performance. “Players must deliver impressive scores and take crucial wickets in national tournaments to stand out. Success in tournaments like the Mushtaq Ali Trophy is vital for catching the attention of IPL teams. Performance and promotion must go hand in hand,” he added.
Former cricketer Ahsan Khurshid echoed similar sentiments, noting that Hyderabad players are not being adequately promoted. “The SRH owners are not from Hyderabad and are under no obligation to select local players. Additionally, the HCA lacks influential figures to advocate for Hyderabad players. Some former top-level players are tainted and thus unable to demand inclusion of local talent,” Khurshid explained.
A concerted effort is required to address this issue. Hyderabad players need to showcase their talent to attract IPL franchise interest. It is not a matter of lacking talent but of performing well in significant moments to gain visibility. The HCA must actively promote local talent and demonstrate to IPL owners the potential that Hyderabad players possess. Many states have successfully advanced their players, and it is time for the HCA to follow suit and bring local talent into the spotlight.
