Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) is entering the IPL 2025 season with renewed vigor and strategic focus as they aim to build upon their impressive run last year, where they emerged as the second-best team. With preparation already underway, SRH is closely analyzing its squad dynamics and player roles to maximize their competitiveness.
One of the focal points for SRH this season is the positioning of key players within their batting lineup. SRH has acquired Ishan Kishan for INR 11.25 crore during the IPL 2025 auction, and team management is pondering where he best fits to optimize the batting strategy. While Kishan is primarily known as an opener, his integration as the No. 4 batsman is being considered. This move would break the sequence of left-handed batsmen (LHBs) at the top of the order, providing valuable right-handed batting options by having Nitish Kumar Reddy bat at No. 3 followed by Kishan.
According to CricXtasy, “Sunrisers Hyderabad must be prudent with their tactics and maximise their resources to extract the best from the assembled team.” Kishan brings experience from previous IPL seasons, having played 23 innings at No. 4 with 594 runs at an average of 28.28 and strike rate of 129.97. Such stats suggest he is not only adaptable but has the competence needed to anchor the innings effectively.
Continuing with the middle order, SRH also has Sachin Baby and Abhinav Manohar as solid options for pace-hitting. With recent gameplay showcasing improvements, it would be strategic to start with Manohar, who demonstrated outstanding performance against fast bowlers, scoring 550 runs at an astonishing average of 78.57 and strike rate of 194.35 over 11 innings in the Maharaja T20 Trophy last year. Manohar’s ability to hit ferociously against pace means he could emerge as one of SRH’s primary assets this season, especially after the lack of proper utilization during his previous stint with the Gujarat Titans. “Manohar is among the most ferocious hitters against fast bowlers and can thwack any length due to his stable base,” cited CricXtasy.
Meanwhile, the bowling department is set to undergo significant reshuffling as well. With leading pacers like Mohammed Shami, Pat Cummins, and Harshal Patel secured, SRH will likely leverage each player's unique capabilities. Shami is known for his skills with the new ball, whereas Harshal is expected to take on death-over responsibilities. Pat Cummins will function as the middle-over enforcer, allowing for effective management of the bowling phase.
Another intriguing addition to the bowling lineup is Simarjeet Singh, who has previously been with Chennai Super Kings, picked for INR 1.50 crore. He could serve as the enforcer during matches, contributing with his pace and ability to bowl shorter lengths. This reallocation means Cummins could be utilized more during the powerplay, which is particularly necessary as SRH lacks veteran bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar this season. CricXtasy reports, “This will allow Cummins to bowl more in the powerplay, which is necessary since SRH don’t have Bhuvneshwar Kumar now.”
Sunrisers Hyderabad's strategic maneuvers this IPL season promise to be as explosive as their gameplay. With careful planning, player rotation, and tactical execution, they hope to extract every ounce of potential from their impressive roster. The preparations now set the stage for what could be another thrilling chapter in IPL history as the tournament kicks off on March 22, 2025.
With other teams also refining their strategies, the competition will be fierce, but SRH appears poised to adapt and thrive. The dynamics of this IPL season will undoubtedly capture cricket fans' attention as they follow the rise of Sunrisers Hyderabad, who look to claim their second title after their notable championship win back in 2016.