After a tumultuous three years, where they consistently finished at the bottom four of the Indian Premier League (IPL) standings, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) made a remarkable resurgence in IPL 2024, finishing as runners-up.

Sunrisers Hyderabad: Aiming for redemption in IPL 2025

The franchise’s turnaround can largely be attributed to the astute leadership of Australia’s Test and ODI captain, Pat Cummins, who replaced Aiden Markram as captain. Under Cummins’ guidance, SRH adopted an ultra-aggressive brand of cricket, which not only reinvigorated the team’s morale but also led them to an impressive second-place finish in the league. They won eight out of 14 matches, overcoming a shaky start that saw them lose two of their first three games. However, a four-match winning streak allowed them to shatter several batting records, culminating in a spot in the finals against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

With the IPL 2025 mega auction on the horizon, SRH faces a crucial decision regarding player retention. The new rules allow franchises to retain only six players – up to five capped and a maximum of two uncapped. With the stakes higher than ever, here’s a closer look at the six players SRH is likely to retain to build on their IPL 2024 success.

6 players SRH can retain ahead of IPL 2025:

1. Travis Head

Travis Head emerged as a cornerstone of SRH’s batting lineup during IPL 2024. The Australian left-hander, who was acquired for INR 6.80 crore, quickly adapted to the T20 format and took the league by storm. Over 15 matches, he amassed an impressive 567 runs with a staggering strike rate of 191.55. His ability to accelerate the scoring and maintain composure under pressure made him one of the most sought-after players in the tournament.

Head’s remarkable performances included standout innings such as his blistering 102 off just 41 balls against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and two back-to-back 89s against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Delhi Capitals (DC). His explosive style and capability to dismantle bowling attacks early in the innings provided SRH with crucial momentum throughout the tournament. Retaining Head is essential for SRH, as his form and flair will be vital for their ambitions in IPL 2025.

2. Heinrich Klaasen

South African wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen has solidified his status as a match-winner for SRH. Having joined the franchise for INR 5.25 crore, Klaasen’s contributions have been vital in crucial situations, particularly in IPL 2024. In 16 matches, he scored 479 runs at an average of 39.92 and a strike rate of 171.07, including four half-centuries.

Klaasen’s ability to turn the tide of a game with his aggressive batting style makes him a standout player. His exceptional form carried over from the previous season, where he scored 448 runs in 12 matches, showcasing his consistency. SRH would be remiss to let Klaasen go, given his knack for coming through in high-pressure scenarios and his capability to change the game with explosive innings.

3. Abhishek Sharma

Abhishek Sharma’s evolution into a prominent player for SRH has been remarkable, particularly in IPL 2024. The young left-handed opener participated in all 16 matches and scored 484 runs with an astonishing strike rate of 204.21. His ability to provide explosive starts, especially in partnership with Travis Head, proved invaluable for SRH.

The combination of Head and Abhishek flourished, contributing to three century partnerships, including a remarkable 167* against LSG. Abhishek’s power-hitting prowess was highlighted as he clinched the award for hitting the most sixes (42) in the season. His youthful energy and aggressive batting make him a vital player for retention, as he promises to be a game-changer for SRH in future tournaments.

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4. Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Despite facing some criticism regarding his performance, veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar remains a crucial element of SRH’s bowling attack. His experience and skills were on full display in IPL 2024, where he claimed 12 wickets in 12 matches. One of his standout moments came when he defended two runs against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the final delivery against Rovman Powell, showcasing his prowess in pressure situations.

Bhuvneshwar’s ability to execute yorkers and bowl effectively at the death makes him an integral part of SRH’s strategy. His leadership and knowledge of the game serve as a valuable resource for younger players in the squad. Given his track record and experience, Bhuvneshwar is likely to be retained as SRH looks to bolster its bowling lineup for IPL 2025.

5. Aiden Markram

Although Aiden Markram‘s leadership was called into question during IPL 2023, his versatility and immense talent cannot be overlooked. The South African international has the capability to play multiple roles in the batting order and offers stability to the lineup. He scored 220 runs in 11 innings during the season, but his experience and strategic mindset make him a valuable player for the team.

Markram’s prior experience as captain adds an element of strategic depth to SRH’s plans, even if he is not leading the side. His ability to adapt and contribute across various positions in the batting order makes him a player that SRH would be wise to retain, ensuring they have a mix of leadership and skill in their ranks for the upcoming season.

6. Abdul Samad (Uncapped)

Abdul Samad is a young talent who has been with SRH for several seasons and has shown significant promise. Retained ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction, Samad has gradually established himself as a reliable uncapped player. In IPL 2024, he played all 16 matches and boasts a career tally of 577 runs from 50 matches at a strike rate of 146.08.

Known for his powerful hitting ability, particularly in the death overs, Samad’s skills make him an invaluable asset to the SRH lineup. He has the potential to finish games with his big-hitting prowess and is viewed as a key component of SRH’s batting depth moving forward. His retention would provide SRH with a dynamic option to accelerate the scoring during critical phases of the game.

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