Unicorns gear up for first home season minus big guns, back depth to deliver

How did they fare last season: Runners up

The Unicorns ran a phenomenal campaign leading up to the playoffs, dropping just a single game during the league phase, which came against the Texas Super Kings. Their spirited run was perhaps best embodied by a breathtaking unbeaten 79 off 42 deliveries from the young and fearless Sanjay Krishnamurthy in a crucial clash against Washington Freedom. That result gave them wings. But their fortunes took a nosedive, as they lost twice to Freedom in the knockouts, culminating in a 96-run drubbing in the final.

While Sanjay Krishnamurthy emerged as a budding talent in American cricket, the Unicorns also unearthed a more seasoned campaigner in former U19 captain Hassan Khan. The left-arm spinner was the standout performer with the ball, claiming 10 wickets in just 22 overs at an impressive economy rate of 7.09. Hassan also proved his worth with the bat, averaging 40 and contributing valuable quick-fire cameos in the lower order-underscoring his credentials as a genuine all-rounder.

International Contingent:

The Unicorns will take the field this season without two of their biggest stars - Pat Cummins and middle-order mainstay Josh Inglis - both unavailable due to international commitments in the Caribbean. However, the franchise was fortunate to retain the dynamic duo of Finn Allen and Matthew Short, who formed the backbone of their batting lineup last season. Allen, in particular, was in sublime form, amassing over 300 runs in 9 innings, including a blistering century in the playoffs that secured the Unicorns a spot in the final.

Haris Rauf comes back for his 3rd season with the Unicorns and keeping him company will be Australia's rising quick Xavier Bartlett. Romario Shepherd will add some muscle in the middle, whose impactful lower-order contributions in the recently concluded IPL have raised expectations. The in-form and newly sought-after Kiwi wicketkeeper-batsman Tim Seifert, along with promising talents Cooper Connolly and Callum Stow, round out the Unicorns' international contingent.

Domestic Cadre:

The Unicorns' domestic core remains largely unchanged, with captain Corey Anderson set to lead the side for the third consecutive season. The tournament offers Anderson a fresh opportunity to stake his claim for a national recall, having been sidelined following USA's historic World Cup campaign last year. However, his chances of making a strong impression may hinge on his batting position - walking in at No. 7 hasn't allowed him the platform to reclaim his stature as a central figure in the lineup.

Liam Plunkett, now 40, remained effective last season with his trademark control and experience. However, the responsibility of leading the pace attack is likely to shift to the young and electrifying American-born Australian, Brody Couch. Left-arm seamer Carmi Le Roux has also proven to be a reliable option with the new ball. Meanwhile, Karima Gore may have to bide his time on the sidelines, with the left-arm spinner expected to serve as a backup to Hassan Khan.

Probable XI : Matthew Short, Finn Allen, Sanjay Krishnamurthy, Tim Seifert, Corey Anderson, Hassan Khan, Romario Shepherd, Haris Rauf, Liam Plunkett, Brody Couch, Callum Stow