SRH openers will be a headache for opposition bowlers. (Source: X.com)
Last year’s finalists, Sunrisers Hyderabad, will be out to make amends for their disappointing batting collapse that denied them their first IPL title since 2016. Under the leadership of Pat Cummins, who thrives in high-pressure situations, SRH will look to ignite their fans with a revamped squad featuring some stellar names.
In IPL 2024, SRH had an exceptional league stage, finishing second. However, they faltered in the crucial knockout matches, losing to Kolkata Knight Riders in Qualifier 1 and then in the final. Last season, they set the tournament alight with their ultra-aggressive batting approach, surpassing 250 runs on three occasions. This time, with new additions, they aim to take that approach a notch higher.
SRH have retained the core of their star performers, including Cummins — the only overseas captain this season — along with Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Heinrich Klaasen. They then splashed Rs 44.8 crore at the auction to bring in 15 more players, assembling a well-rounded squad.
With that, here’s a detailed breakdown of SRH’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats ahead of IPL 2025.
● Travishek: All of SRH’s top five batters have had a strike rate of over 150 in T20s since 2024. Their opening duo, Travis Head (SR 192) and Abhishek Sharma (SR 204) in IPL 2024, was nothing short of sensational.
● Middle-Order Powerhouse: Following them is the dynamic Ishan Kishan, who, despite averaging just 25 since 2024, has maintained a strike rate of over 150. South African Heinrich Klaasen, who has nearly 5,000 T20 runs, has been a nightmare for spinners, averaging 50 at a strike rate of 180+ against them. His IPL strike rate (174) and average (44) in the last two seasons make him one of SRH’s biggest assets.
● Lower Middle-order: Local boy Nitish Reddy brings composure while still striking at 150 since 2024. Additionally, Abhinav Manohar, Sachin Baby, Atharva Taide and Kamindu Mendis provide solid middle-order options.
● World-Class Captaincy: With Pat Cummins, SRH have an international title-winning captain who had already led them to the IPL final on his captaincy debut in the league.
● Dream Pace Attack:SRH boast a lethal pace line-up, featuring Cummins, Mohammed Shami, Harshal Patel (two-time Purple Cap winner), Jaydev Unadkat and Wiaan Mulder.
Weaknesses
● Limited Spin Depth: While Rahul Chahar and Adam Zampa provide quality, SRH lack experienced back-up spinners. Zeeshan Ansari, their only reserve, has little to no experience in T20 cricket.
● Death Bowling Concerns: With T Natarajan’s departure, SRH lack a proven death-over specialist, which could prove costly in crunch moments. Harshal, despite his experience, has struggled on flat pitches.
● Cummins’ Fitness Uncertainty: Their captain’s availability remains uncertain, as he is still recovering from an injury and has only recently resumed bowling.
SRH players celebrating (SRH X)
Opportunities
● Platform for Youngsters: With a strong mix of experienced and emerging talent, this is a golden chance for young players to step up and take responsibility.
● Ishan Kishan’s Comeback: The former Mumbai Indians star has been off the radar lately, and IPL 2025 presents the perfect stage for him to reclaim his form. He scored back-to-back fifties in SRH’s intra-squad matches; 23-ball 64, and a rapid 73-run knock in just 30 balls.
Threats
● Lack of Bench Strength: SRH has only 20 players in their squad (out of a possible 25), making them vulnerable to injuries. A lack of quality back-ups means they will rely heavily on their starting XI to remain fit and consistent.
● Injury-Prone Key Players: Both Cummins and Shami have struggled with injuries. If either is sidelined, SRH’s bowling attack could suffer a major setback.
● Over-Reliance on Batting Firepower: With a weak death-bowling line-up, SRH might be forced to depend on their batters to score 250 and above regularly — a risky game plan.
Final Thoughts
On paper, SRH have a well-balanced squad with a fearsome batting line-up and a strong pace attack. However, the lack of depth and injury-prone players could derail their title charge before it even gains momentum. If they can stay fit and maintain consistency, they have the firepower to reach the playoffs and possibly go all the way.
Probable XI
Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Abhinav Manohar, Pat Cummins (c), Harshal Patel, Mohammed Shami, Adam Zampa, Rahul Chahar.
