Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) entered the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season with super motivation. After finishing as runners-up in 2024, the franchise eyes on to clinch their second IPL title. With a mix of internationals and promising young talents, SRH looked poised for a strong campaign. However, as the season progresses, the team will face challenges that test their capability and temperament.
SRH: Leadership and Team Squad
Pat Cummins continued as the captain of SRH, bringing his international experience and calm demeanor to the leadership role. The team retained key players like Heinrich Klaasen, Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, and Nitish Kumar Reddy, forming a solid core. In the 2025 auction, SRH made significant acquisitions:
- Ishan Kishan: The dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman was bought for ₹11.25 crore, expected to bolster the top order
- Mohammed Shami: Acquired for ₹10 crore, Shami’s experience was anticipated to strengthen the pace attack.
- Harshal Patel: Known for his variations, Patel was added for ₹8 crore to enhance the bowling depth.
- Rahul Chahar and Adam Zampa: These spinners were brought in to provide variety in the bowling department.
The squad appeared well-balanced, with the combination of explosive batting with a versatile bowling lineup.
Sunrisers Hyderabad Performance Overview Till Now
Despite a promising start, SRH’s performance in the 2025 season has been inconsistent. As of April 24, they have played eight matches, securing only two victories and suffering six losses. Placing them ninth in the standings. Notable matches include:
- Against Mumbai Indians: SRH posted a modest total of 143-8, with a particular incident. Ishan Kishan walked off believing he was out, despite no appeal or umpire decision. Mumbai chased down the target comfortably, winning by seven wickets.
- Against Rajasthan Royals: SRH achieved a massive total of 286-6, the second-highest in IPL history. However, their bowling faltered, allowing Rajasthan to score 242-6, highlighting issues in defending large totals.
These matches underscore the team’s struggle with consistency and the need for cohesive performances across departments.
Key Players and Emerging Talents For Sunrisers Hyderabad
Several players have stood out for SRH this season:
- Heinrich Klaasen: Retained for ₹23 crore, Klaasen has been a reliable performer in the middle order. Providing stability and acceleration when needed.
- Travis Head: The Australian opener has delivered explosive starts, setting the tone for the innings.
- Zeeshan Ansari: The young leg-spinner made a notable debut, taking 3/42 against Delhi Capitals, showcasing his potential as a future star.
Challenges And Areas To Work On
SRH’s struggles can be attributed to several factors:
- Inconsistent Batting: While the team has posted high totals, there have also been collapses, indicating a need for greater consistency and adaptability in varying conditions.
- Bowling Under Pressure: Despite a strong bowling lineup on paper, the team has struggled to contain opposition batsmen in crucial moments, particularly in the death overs.
- Fielding Lapses: Missed catches and misfields have cost the team valuable runs, emphasizing the need for sharper fielding performances.
Fans’ Support and Home Advantage For SRH
SRH has enjoyed strong support from their fan base, with home matches at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad drawing enthusiastic crowds. The stadium underwent renovations worth ₹5 crore ahead of the season, improving facilities for players and spectators alike.
The team’s management has also engaged fans through social media campaigns and community events, fostering a sense of connection and loyalty.
Real Risers: Spotlight On Indian Players
While the international stars often grab headlines, IPL 2025 has seen several Indian players from SRH stepping up and taking responsibility.
- Abhishek Sharma has continued to show maturity at the top of the order. His ability to accelerate the innings during powerplays while rotating strike against spinners has made him a vital component of the batting unit.
- Nitish Kumar Reddy, a talented all-rounder, has impressed with his performances in both domestic cricket and the IPL. His ability to contribute in the lower middle order and chip in with the ball has added flexibility to the team’s combination.
With the BCCI and selectors keeping a close eye on IPL performances for future India call-ups, these domestic players have a great platform to showcase their talent on the biggest stage.
Match Strategies And Tactical Observations
SRH’s tactics in 2025 have been bold but not always successful. They have experimented with different batting orders and bowling combinations based on pitch conditions and opposition strengths. However, some of these tactical changes have backfired, leading to collapses or ineffective bowling spells.
For example, the use of spin in powerplays hasn’t yielded the desired results in certain matches, while holding back key hitters like Klaasen until too late has cost them momentum in tight run-chases. Analysts believe that while flexibility is important, too many changes can disrupt the rhythm and chemistry of the playing XI.
In contrast, when SRH has stuck to a set plan, such as letting Travis Head play freely at the top and using Cummins and Shami to attack early with the new ball, the results have been far more positive.
Coaching Staff And Support System
The coaching staff of Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2025 has played a pivotal role in shaping the team’s strategy and preparation. Head coach Daniel Vettori, known for his calm approach and sharp cricketing brain, continues to guide the team with a focus on discipline and consistency. Under his leadership, the team has worked on improving their game awareness and situational decision-making.
The addition of former cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan as a mentor this season has also brought experience to the franchise. His connection with Hyderabad’s cricketing team has helped young Indian players settle and perform with confidence. Bowling coach James Franklin has also been instrumental in fine-tuning skills and providing international exposure to younger players.
The support staff, including physiotherapists, analysts, and trainers, have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to keep the squad fit and mentally sharp. With players facing tight match schedules, the role of the support team has become even more crucial in ensuring recovery, fitness, and readiness for each game.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sunrisers Hyderabad’s 2025 IPL season has been a mix of high expectations and hard lessons. While individual talents have shone, the team must address inconsistencies and capitalize on their remaining opportunities to achieve success. With strong leadership and fan support, SRH has the potential to turn the tide and make a significant impact in the remainder of the tournament.
