Sunrisers Hyderabad have assembled a well-balanced team for the IPL 2025, covering all bases with some exceptional purchases in the IPL Auction 2025. Last year, they advanced to the finals but were unable to win the championship. This year, they attempted to fix gaps and shortcomings, forming a strong group. Let’s look at their overall team, as well as their strengths and weaknesses, ahead of the IPL 2025 season.
STRENGTHS
Strong core group: Sunrisers Hyderabad’s dominance began last year, when they created a solid lineup led by skipper Pat Cummins, Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, and Heinrich Klaasen. They kept their core group and appear to have one of the most dangerous batting departments among all teams. This year, they recruited Ishan Kishan to provide more aggression in the top order.
Fast bowling unit: Sunrisers Hyderabad had Pat Cummins performing well for them, but other players lacked consistency. To strengthen their pace attack this year, they picked Mohammad Shami and Harshal Patel in the auction. Shami is expected to shine with the new ball, while Harshal, last season’s Purple Cap winner, will likely handle the death overs.
WEAKNESSES
Spin Department: Sunrisers Hyderabad added Rahul Chahar and Australia’s Adam Zampa to their squad, but their spin attack still lacks depth and variety. This could be a disadvantage on spin-friendly pitches and in the crucial later stages of the tournament.
Inexperienced lower order: While the top five batters are strong, the lower order appears weak. Players like Sachin Baby and Abhinav Manohar lack experience and proven performances at the IPL level, which might leave the team vulnerable in crunch situations.
OPPORTUNITIES
Chance to Win the Title: After narrowly missing out on the trophy last season, losing to Kolkata Knight Riders in the finals, Sunrisers Hyderabad now has a stronger and more balanced squad. This gives them a great chance to go one step further and secure the title this time.
Lower Order to Shine: Players like Sachin Baby and Abhinav Manohar have an excellent opportunity to showcase their potential. Batting at positions 6 or 7, they can prove their worth by stepping up in key moments and strengthening the team’s lower order.
THREATS
Over-Reliance on the Top Order: Sunrisers Hyderabad’s top order, featuring Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, and Ishan Kishan, is capable of winning games single-handedly. However, if they fail early, it could put immense pressure on the middle order, leaving the team vulnerable to opponents exploiting this weakness.
Lack of Quality Backups: While the Sunrisers Hyderbad’s first-choice XI is strong, the team lacks equally skilled backups. Injuries to key players could significantly weaken the squad, making this a critical area of concern for the season.
Sunrisers Hyderabad Squad for the IPL 2025
Retained Players: Heinrich Klaasen, Pat Cummins(C), Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Nitish Reddy
Players Picked in the Auction: Ishan Kishan, Mohammed Shami, Harshal Patel, Abhinav Manohar, Rahul Chahar, Adam Zampa, Simarjeet Singh, Eshan Malinga, Jaydev Unadkat, Brydon Carse, Kamindu Mendis, Zeeshan Ansari, Atharva Taide, Sachin Baby, and Aniket Verma
Sunrisers Hyderabad Probable XI and Impact Player for the IPL 2025
Probable XI: Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Nitish Reddy, Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen, Sachin Baby, Abhinav Manohar, Pat Cummins, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Shami, Rahul Chahar, and Adam Zampa/Brydon Carse (Impact).
CONCLUSION & RATING OUT OF 10
Sunrisers Hyderabad enters IPL 2025 with a well-rounded and formidable squad, making them strong contenders for the title. Their aggressive top order, featuring Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Nitish Reddy, ensures a dynamic batting lineup capable of setting or chasing daunting totals. Heinrich Klaasen’s explosive power and consistency add further strength to the middle order.
The team has a strong pace assault, led by Mohammad Shami, Pat Cummins, and Harshal Patel. Shami’s new ball brilliance, Cummins’ ability to provide breakthroughs, and Harshal’s mastery of death overs provide Sunrisers Hyderabad with a flexible and dependable pace lineup. The addition of spinners Rahul Chahar and Adam Zampa offers diversity, but their spin department still lacks depth, which could pose a challenge on turning surfaces.
Sunrisers also have promising all-rounders like Kamindu Mendis and Brydon Carse, who bring balance and options in both departments. However, the team must address potential threats like over-reliance on their top order and a lack of quality backups for key players.
With a mix of proven stars and emerging talents, Sunrisers Hyderabad looks prepared to go the distance and potentially clinch their second IPL title this season.
RATING: 9/10