IPL 2025Cricket NewsIPLIPL and Franchise CricketIPL NewsIPL UpdatesIshan KishanPat CumminsSunrisers HyderabadSunrisers Hyderabad
SRH Gears Up for a Thrilling 2025 IPL Season
A New Chapter for Sunrisers Hyderabad
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) is set to embark on the 2025 IPL season with renewed vigor, aiming to build on their stellar performance from the previous year. After struggling for consistency in the earlier years of the cycle, SRH found their footing in 2024 under the leadership of Pat Cummins, complemented by explosive batting from Travis Head and a tactical mastermind in head coach Daniel Vettori. Now, with fresh squad additions and a solid retention strategy, the franchise looks poised to make another deep run in the tournament.
SRH’s Revamped Squad for IPL 2025
Retention Strategy: A Strong Core
Unlike most teams that face major overhauls post a mega auction, SRH has managed to retain a formidable core. With new retention rules allowing six players with no restrictions on overseas picks, SRH held on to key performers, ensuring continuity in their aggressive playstyle.
New Acquisitions: Experience Overhaul
The franchise made calculated investments in the auction, prioritizing experience over young prospects. The most notable additions were:
-
Mohammed Shami and Harshal Patel: To replace veteran pacers Bhuvneshwar Kumar and T Natarajan.
-
Ishan Kishan: A dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman who brings depth and versatility to the top order.
With these signings, SRH has arguably one of the most explosive top-five batting lineups in IPL 2025.
Predicted Playing XI for SRH in 2025
Best XI as of Now
-
Abhishek Sharma
-
Travis Head
-
Ishan Kishan
-
Nitish Reddy
-
Heinrich Klaasen
-
Abhinav Manohar
-
Sachin Baby / Aniket Verma
-
Pat Cummins
-
Harshal Patel
-
Adam Zampa
-
Mohammed Shami
-
Rahul Chahar / Simarjeet Singh
This lineup boasts a balanced mix of firepower, experience, and bowling depth.
Injury and Availability Updates
SRH has already addressed their overseas all-rounder concerns by replacing the injured Brydon Carse with South Africa’s Wiaan Mulder. Meanwhile, Pat Cummins, who missed the Champions Trophy due to an ankle injury, is fit and ready to lead from the first match. Additionally, the breakout star of 2024, Nitish Reddy, has recovered from a side strain sustained during the T20I series against England in January.
Players to Watch in IPL 2025
Ishan Kishan: A Point to Prove
Ishan Kishan’s IPL 2025 campaign could be pivotal for his international comeback. Having lost his spot in all three formats for India and missing out on the 2024 T20 World Cup squad, Kishan will be eager to prove his mettle. A strong IPL season could reignite his prospects ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Abhinav Manohar: A Potential Breakout Star
Abhinav Manohar is a promising middle-order batsman with the ability to accelerate in high-pressure situations. Despite limited opportunities with Gujarat Titans, his performances in domestic cricket—particularly his 550-run tally in the Maharaja T20 League 2024 at a staggering strike rate of 195.35—caught the attention of SRH. His inclusion in the lineup aligns well with SRH’s attacking batting strategy.
SRH’s IPL 2025 Fixture Breakdown
Favorable Early Matches
SRH has an advantageous start, with five of their first eight matches scheduled at home in Hyderabad, where they won six out of seven games in 2024. The early stretch includes two home matches and a game in Visakhapatnam, which is just an hour’s flight from Hyderabad. This should help the team settle into a strong rhythm before away challenges.
Tough Run-in Towards the End
While SRH enjoys a balanced schedule, their final two league games present unique challenges:
-
Bengaluru – The venue of their record-breaking 287/3 score in 2024.
-
Lucknow – A new venue for SRH, adding an element of unpredictability.
The scheduling also provides adequate rest periods, with multiple 4-5 day breaks between crucial home fixtures, allowing players to recover and strategize better.
Key Home Ground Stat to Watch
SRH’s home ground was a batting paradise in 2024, with a scoring rate of 9.99 runs per over, second only to Delhi’s 10.76. With the impact player rule continuing, SRH is expected to double down on their aggressive approach, making Hyderabad a nightmare for bowlers once again.
Sunrisers Hyderabad enters IPL 2025 with a clear identity—fearless batting, experienced bowling, and a settled core. With Pat Cummins at the helm and an explosive top order, they have all the ingredients for another blockbuster season. The question remains: Can they go all the way this time?
Related Links:
