The runners-up of the 2024 IPL, Sunrisers Hyderabad emerged after the mega auction strengthening their squad ahead of the IPL 2025. In the mega auction, they brought depth to their bowling line-ups after adding experienced pacers like Mohammad Shami & Harshal Patel to their squad. At the same time, their batting was boosted with the addition of left-handed batter, Ishan Kishan. Let’s go through the SWOT Analysis of the Sunrisers Hyderabad & their potential line-up ahead of the upcoming season.
Going into the 2025 IPL auction, SRH retained five players in the form of Heinrich Klassen for 23 Crore becoming the most expensive retained player, Pat Cummins (18 Crore), Abhishek Sharma (14 Crore), Travis Head (14 Crore) & Nitish Kumar Reddy (6 Crore). With a purse of 45 Crore, they brought 20 players to their squad, and the most expensive buy for them was Ishan Kishan for 11.25 Crore.
How did Sunrisers Hyderabad perform in IPL 2024?
It was a massive turnaround for the SRH in the 2024 season as they made it to the finals in the following season. Pat Cummins was appointed as their new skipper whereas it was the fearless batting consisting of the opening duo of Abhishek Sharma & Travis Head with the explosive batter Heinrich Klaseen in the middle order which played a vital role in the team’s progressive season. They also ended up breaking various records in the edition as they scored the highest IPL total following their 287 against RCB as well as struck the most sixes in any season of the IPL. Though they fell short of clinching their second IPL title as KKR beat SRH in the final it was a record-breaking season for the SRH.
Sunrisers Hyderabad Squad for IPL 2024:
Pat Cummins, Abhishek Sharma, Nitish Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen, Travis Head, Mohammad Shami, Harshal Patel, Ishan Kishan, Rahul Chahar, Adam Zampa, Atharva Taide, Abhinav Manohar, Simarjeet Singh, Zeeshan Ansari, Jaydev Unadkat, Brydon Carse, Kamindu Mendis, Aniket Verma, Eshan Malinga, Sachin Baby.
SWOT Analysis of Sunrisers Hyderabad
Strengths:
Explosive batting order:- SRH’s batting order consists of a dynamic opening duo of Travis Head & Abhishek Sharma but following the acquisition of Ishan Kishan & power hitters like Heinrich Klassen and Nitish Kumar Reddy in the middle order ensures an aggressive batting approach for the side.
Diverse Bowling Attack:- The franchise has strengthened its bowling attack following the addition of Mohammed Shami & Harshal Patel complementing their skipper Pat Cummins in the pace department. While Rahul Chahar & Adam Zampa can offer wicket-taking ability in the middle overs.
Experience Core:- With the presence of seasoned players like Pat Cummins, Heinrich Klassen, Travis Head, Mohammed Shami & Adam Zampa in the core, the team benefits from a wealth of experience to guide in critical departments.
Weakness:
Lack of Finishing power: The Side lacks a proven finisher in the squad though the likes of Abhinav Manohar & Nitish Kumar Reddy have shown potential but lack the experience to deliver it consistently.
Over-reliance on Overseas Players: The Side could heavily rely on their Overseas players in the form of Pat Cummins, Travis Head & Heinrich Klassen to deliver big performances which could strain the squad in case of injury or form dips.
Opportunities:
Emerging stars to make a mark: The upcoming season presents significant players like Abhishek Sharma, Nitish Kumar Reddy & Abhinav Manohar to elevate their game & deliver a season marked by consistent performance.
Revival for Experienced Players: Mohammed Shami can use the platform to regain his form as he continues to recover from injury. While players like Jaydev Unadkat & Sachin Baby showcase their values & make comebacks.
Threats:
Injury Risks: Any Injuries to players like Mohammed Shami, Pat Cummins or Harshal Patel could pose a threat to the team’s stability.
Probable XI:
Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Heinrich Klassen, Kamindu Mendis, Abhinav Manohar, Pat Cummins, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Shami, Rahul Chahar, Jaydev Unadkat (Impact Player)