The runners-up of the last IPL season, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), are ready with their 20 players for the 2025 season. They entered the mega auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with a total purse of ₹45 crore, having retained five players for ₹75 crore. In the auction, they added 15 more players to their squad by spending ₹44.80 crore.
SRH now have a balanced squad with seven overseas players and 13 Indian players. Pat Cummins will continue as captain, and their aggressive batting style, which worked well last season, will again be key. This time, they have also brought in experienced Indian bowlers, giving the captain more options to work with.
Hits
Getting a superstar like Mohammed Shami for just ₹10 crore was an absolute steal for SRH. Shami can bowl effectively in all phases of the game, especially in the powerplay and death overs. He is expected to play a crucial supporting role alongside Cummins.
Ishan Kishan is another player SRH has placed their trust in. Last season, Rahul Tripathi occupied the number three position, but this year, Ishan might get the chance to revive his career. He is likely to take on the role of an explosive batter at number three.
Another key player is Abhinav Manohar, who showcased his power-hitting ability by smashing 52 sixes in just 10 innings during the recent Maharaja T20 Trophy. With Abdul Samad absent this season, Abhinav is expected to step into the finisher’s role at number seven or eight.
Harshal Patel, with his vast experience of 105 matches and 135 wickets, will be vital throughout the tournament. His use of cutters and slower balls can make a big difference. Meanwhile, Rahul Chahar is expected to be SRH’s main spinner, likely ahead of Adam Zampa.
Last season, SRH struggled due to the lack of a designated spinner, making these additions logical. The squad also includes two promising young Sri Lankans, Kamindu Mendis and Ehsan Malinga. Both have been impressive with their recent performances in international and domestic cricket, making them exciting future investments for Cummins and the team.
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Misses
Unlike last year, SRH now have spinners like Chahar and Zampa in their squad. However, with Chahar’s high economy (9.00 in 2024 in 9 games) and Zampa being an overseas option, it seems they missed an opportunity to secure a reliable Indian spinner. Someone like Ravichandran Ashwin or Yuzvendra Chahal could have been a solid addition.
Even a young talent like Manav Suthar might have been an intriguing choice. His recent performances and left-arm orthodox style could have added variety to their attack. Working under the guidance of Daniel Vettori might have further helped him develop his skills.
Overall rating: 8/10
Once again, Hyderabad’s foreign players are expected to play key roles this season. Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma will aim to provide explosive starts at the top. Nitish Kumar Reddy, who has become a global superstar after his recent international heroics, will carry higher expectations this time. In the middle order, Heinrich Klaasen will be crucial in providing stability and firepower.
Cummins is a guaranteed overseas pick being the skipper as well, but the fourth slot will likely be contested between Zampa, Kamindu, or Ehsan. The final choice may depend on match conditions and team strategy.
SRH’s batting lineup, known for its fireworks, is again expected to grab headlines. The team will hope to take a significant step toward clinching the IPL trophy this year. On the bowling front, Shami will lead the attack alongside Cummins, forming a formidable duo.
Players brought from IPL mega auction: Abhinav Manohar (Rs. 3.20 crore), Atharva Taide (Rs. 30 Lakh), Sachin Baby (Rs. 30 Lakh), Aniket Verma (Rs. 30 Lakh), Ishan Kishan (Rs. 11.25 crore), Brydon Carse (Rs. 1 crore), Kamindu Mendis (Rs. 75 lakh), Harshal Patel (Rs. 8 crore), Rahul Chahar (Rs. 3.20 crore), Jaydev Unadkat (Rs. 1 crore), Simarjeet Singh (Rs. 1.50 crore), Zeeshan Ansari (Rs. 40 lakh), Mohammed Shami (Rs. 10 crore), Adam Zampa (Rs. 2.40 crore), Eshan Malinga (Rs. 1.20 crore).
Players retained from last season: Pat Cummins (Rs. 18 crore), Abhishek Sharma (Rs. 14 crore), Nitish Reddy (Rs. 6 crore), Heinrich Klaasen (Rs. 23 crore), Travis Head (Rs. 14 crore).
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