Priyanka Tiwari
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In the 2024 IPL cycle, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) made a remarkable recovery after a disappointing start. With a season filled with turbulence, SRH rebounded strongly under the leadership of Pat Cummins and the guidance of coach Daniel Vettori. As the 2025 season approaches, SRH enters the new cycle with renewed hope and a strong squad ready to compete for the title. Let’s take a closer look at the team’s updates, strategy, and key players for the upcoming season.
The SRH Revival in 2024
After a turbulent phase following their split with former captain David Warner, SRH faced struggles in the 2024 IPL cycle. However, the team landed a major boost by bringing in Pat Cummins alongside fellow Australian Travis Head, as well as a refreshed mindset under head coach Daniel Vettori. Their bold strategy of maximizing the batting PowerPlay paid off, and SRH surprised many by making it to their first IPL final since 2018.
The fresh approach, despite being risky due to the mega-auction, helped SRH discover a playing style that aligned with the squad’s strengths. The team's success in retaining key performers further strengthened their 2025 prospects, especially with new retention rules.
A Stronger Line-Up for 2025
In preparation for the 2025 season, SRH focused on replacing experience with more experience, bringing in Mohammed Shami and Harshal Patel to replace Bhuvneshwar Kumar and T Natarajan. The addition of explosive players like Ishan Kishan further bolstered SRH’s already formidable top order. This explosive top-five is now arguably one of the most dangerous in the league, setting SRH up for another strong season.
The Full Squad for 2025
- Pat Cummins
- Heinrich Klaasen
- Travis Head
- Abhishek Sharma
- Nitish Reddy
- Ishan Kishan
- Mohammed Shami
- Harshal Patel
- Abhinav Manohar
- Rahul Chahar
- Adam Zampa
- Simarjeet Singh
- Eshan Malinga
- Jaydev Unadkat
- Wiaan Mulder
- Kamindu Mendis
- Zeeshan Ansari
- Atharva Taide
- Sachin Baby
- Aniket Verma
SRH’s Best XI for 2025
- 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
Injury and Availability Updates
SRH has already dealt with an injury concern, replacing Brydon Carse with Wiaan Mulder, a South African all-rounder. Captain Pat Cummins, who missed the Champions Trophy with an ankle injury, is fully fit and ready to lead SRH in their first match of the 2025 season. Nitish Reddy, a standout performer in 2024, has recovered from a side strain and will be available for selection.
Player with a Point to Prove: Ishan Kishan
Ishan Kishan has seen a sharp decline in form since the end of 2023, losing his spot in the Indian team and missing out on the T20 World Cup in 2024. However, his performance in the domestic circuit has reignited his career, and a strong IPL season with SRH could be the key to reclaiming his place in the national team ahead of the 2025 T20 World Cup. SRH’s investment in Kishan is strategic, and the franchise is looking to capitalize on his potential at the top of the order.
A Breakout Player to Watch: Abhinav Manohar
Abhinav Manohar, the Karnataka batter, is one of the most exciting new additions for SRH in 2025. After a stellar season in the Maharaja T20 League 2024, where he scored 550 runs at a strike rate of 195.35, Manohar is expected to play a vital role in SRH’s middle order. His powerful hitting and aggressive style of play align perfectly with SRH’s attacking approach, and he could be a key figure in their batting lineup this season.
Fixture Build-Up and Run-In for SRH
SRH’s 2025 season kicks off with a favorable fixture list, including five home games in their first eight matches, which is ideal given their dominant record at home in the previous season. The team will start with two home games and then head to Visakhapatnam for another match. The first five games will have short turnaround times, but the team also enjoys longer breaks in the middle of the season, giving them ample time for rest and recovery.
Home Ground Stats to Watch
SRH’s home ground continues to be a fortress for their batting unit. Last season, the team posted a scoring rate of 9.99, second only to Delhi. With the continuation of the impact player rule and SRH’s aggressive batting philosophy, fans can expect more of the same high-scoring games at home in 2025.
