Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) had an impressive IPL 2024 campaign, finishing as runners-up after losing to KKR in the final. With the core of their squad retained and a few strategic additions, SRH will look to go one step further in IPL 2025. Led by Pat Cummins, who continues to prove his leadership prowess, the team boasts a balanced combination of experienced internationals and exciting young talent. Here’s a detailed look at SRH’s predicted playing XI for IPL 2025.
1) Abhishek Sharma
Abhishek Sharma has become India’s latest T20 sensation, following his stunning century against England in the T20 series. His exploits at the top order, alongside Travis Head, were pivotal in SRH’s run to the finals last season. In IPL 2024, Abhishek smashed 484 runs at a staggering strike rate of over 200. Across 63 IPL matches, he has amassed 1,377 runs, including seven fifties, with an overall strike rate exceeding 150. The left-hander will again be crucial for SRH’s power-packed starts.
2) Travis Head
Travis Head was SRH’s leading run-scorer in IPL 2024, hammering 567 runs in 15 matches with four fifties and a century. His fearless approach at the top ensured SRH dominated the powerplay phase. Overall, in 25 IPL matches, the Australian has scored 772 runs with five fifties and one hundred at a blistering strike rate of 170. With his aggressive style, Head remains a key pillar in the SRH batting lineup.
3) Ishan Kishan
After a forgettable year that saw him lose his BCCI central contract and his place in the Mumbai Indians setup, Ishan Kishan is eyeing redemption. The left-handed wicketkeeper-batsman has been a proven performer in the IPL, scoring 2,644 runs in 105 matches, including 16 fifties, at a strike rate of 135. He will be a vital addition to SRH’s middle order, providing stability and aggressive stroke play.
4) Nitish Kumar Reddy
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s meteoric rise saw him earn an India cap after a breakthrough IPL season in 2024. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a valuable asset. In 15 IPL matches, he has scored 303 runs, including two fifties, and picked up three wickets. His maiden century in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy further cemented his reputation as an emerging all-rounder to watch out for.
5) Heinrich Klaasen (WK)
Heinrich Klaasen has been one of the most destructive middle-order batsmen in recent years. The South African wicketkeeper-batsman has played 35 IPL matches, amassing 993 runs, with six fifties and a century, at an astonishing strike rate of 170. His ability to accelerate in the death overs makes him a critical component of SRH’s batting lineup.
6) Abhinav Manohar
Although Abhinav Manohar has yet to register a fifty or a century in his 19-match IPL career, his strike rate of over 130 highlights his ability to score quickly. A middle-order dasher, Manohar has the potential to provide explosive cameos and finish games for SRH when required.
7) Wiaan Mulder
Wiaan Mulder replaces the injured Brydon Carse and is set to make his IPL debut. A seasoned T20 campaigner, Mulder has played 11 international T20 matches, scoring 105 runs and picking up eight wickets. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball will be crucial for SRH’s balance in the lower order.
8) Pat Cummins (C)
Pat Cummins led SRH to the IPL 2024 final, showcasing his leadership and bowling prowess. In his IPL career, Cummins has played 58 matches, scoring 515 runs at a strike rate nearing 150, including three fifties. With the ball, he has claimed 63 wickets, proving his effectiveness as a strike bowler. His all-round ability and captaincy will be crucial for SRH’s success.
9) Harshal Patel
A two-time Purple Cap winner, Harshal Patel has been a consistent wicket-taker in the IPL. In 105 matches, he has picked up 135 wickets, often delivering in the crucial death overs. His ability to bowl slower balls and yorkers under pressure makes him an indispensable part of the bowling attack.
10) Mohammed Shami
One of India’s premier fast bowlers, Mohammed Shami brings vast experience to SRH’s pace battery. In 77 IPL matches, he has taken 79 wickets, often providing crucial breakthroughs with the new ball. His ability to swing the ball and deliver accurate yorkers makes him a potent threat in all phases of the game.
11) Rahul Chahar
Rahul Chahar has been a consistent performer in the IPL, picking up 75 wickets in 78 matches. His ability to control the middle overs and pick up crucial wickets makes him SRH’s go-to spinner. With conditions in India favoring spin, Chahar will play a significant role in the team’s bowling plans.
Impact Players
12. Simarjeet Singh (When Bowling First)
Simarjeet Singh, who played a pivotal role for CSK last season, brings his pace and swing to SRH. In 10 IPL matches, he has taken nine wickets and will be used as an impact player when SRH bowls first.
12. Sachin Baby (When Chasing)
Sachin Baby, who recently captained Kerala to their Ranji Trophy final, provides a seasoned batting option. Though he hasn’t played an IPL match in recent years, he has 144 runs in 19 matches at a strike rate exceeding 120. His experience could be valuable in pressure chases.
SRH has built a formidable squad for IPL 2025, retaining their core from last season while adding crucial reinforcements. With a destructive top order led by Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, a solid middle order featuring Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen, and a well-rounded bowling attack spearheaded by Pat Cummins and Mohammed Shami, SRH looks poised for another deep run in the tournament. With the right balance of experience and youthful energy, the franchise will be eager to go one step further and claim their second IPL title.