Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) were one of the most exciting teams in IPL 2024, playing an ultra-aggressive style that led to record-breaking scores. However, despite their dominance with the bat, they fell short in the final against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), finishing as runners-up.
Now, with IPL 2025 around the corner, SRH has retained most of their key players while adding even more firepower. Their journey begins with a home game against Rajasthan Royals at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. Let’s take a look at how the team is shaping up this season.
Explosive Batting Lineup
A Fearsome Opening Pair
SRH boasts the most dangerous opening duo in IPL 2025—Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head. These two left-handers play with an attacking mindset, ensuring fast starts and big scores. Last year, their partnership was one of the best in the league, and they’ll be expected to carry that form into this season.
Powerful Middle Order
- Ishan Kishan: SRH made a big upgrade by signing him in the auction. He brings explosive hitting ability at No. 3 and adds variety to the lineup.
- Heinrich Klaasen (WK): The South African was SRH’s most reliable batter last year and will be a key player again. His ability to take on spinners and finish games makes him a game-changer.
- Nitish Kumar Reddy: The young all-rounder made a name for himself last season and even won the Emerging Player Award. He will play a crucial role in stabilizing the innings and providing late-innings firepower.
- Abhinav Manohar / Atharva Taide: SRH might choose one of these players for their middle-order hitting ability. They offer flexibility depending on the match situation.
Strong Bowling Attack
Experienced Pace Duo
- Pat Cummins (C): The Australian captain leads SRH’s pace attack. His experience and leadership will be crucial, especially in pressure situations.
- Mohammed Shami: A veteran fast bowler, Shami is a wicket-taking machine in both the powerplay and death overs. His presence strengthens SRH’s pace attack significantly.
- Harshal Patel: Known for his deceptive slower balls, Harshal is one of the best death bowlers in T20 cricket.
Spin Department
- Adam Zampa: The Aussie leg-spinner is likely to take up the fourth overseas slot. He has proven himself in T20 cricket and can control the game in the middle overs.
- Rahul Chahar: A quality Indian spinner, Chahar adds depth to SRH’s bowling attack and ensures they have solid domestic options.
Impact Player Option
- Simarjeet Singh (Pace bowler) or an extra batter if needed
SRH Predicted XI vs Rajasthan Royals
| Position | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abhishek Sharma | Left-Hand Opening Batter |
| 2 | Travis Head | Left-Hand Opening Batter |
| 3 | Ishan Kishan | Left-Hand Batter |
| 4 | Heinrich Klaasen (WK) | Right-Hand Batter |
| 5 | Nitish Kumar Reddy | All-Rounder |
| 6 | Abhinav Manohar / Atharva Taide | Middle-Order Batter |
| 7 | Pat Cummins (C) | Right-Arm Fast Bowler |
| 8 | Harshal Patel | Right-Arm Medium Pacer |
| 9 | Mohammed Shami | Right-Arm Fast Bowler |
| 10 | Adam Zampa | Right-Arm Leg Spinner |
| 11 | Rahul Chahar | Right-Arm Leg Spinner |
Can SRH Win IPL 2025?
SRH has built a well-balanced team with a lethal top order, a strong pace attack, and quality spin options. They have all the ingredients needed for a deep run in the tournament.
However, their biggest challenge will be handling pressure in knockout games, something they struggled with in the 2024 final. If they can stay consistent, this could finally be their year to lift the IPL trophy.
