IPL team profile: Sunrisers plug holes to mount fresh challenge for second title

The resurgence of the Orange Army, as Sunrisers Hyderabad is popular as, was one of the biggest talking points of IPL last year. They caved in rather meekly in the final to finish as runners-up to Kolkata Knight Riders, but Pat Cummins’ men are coming back with enough ammo to mount a challenge for a second title after 2016.

 Just ponder this: there are not too many opening pairs in the league which can match the explosive quality of Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma in SRH ranks. They set new benchmarks for powerplay scores in 2024 and with Abhishek hitting top gear in the recent T20I series against England at home, one can expect them to keep up the good work going this time around.

  Add Ishan Kishan, the enterprising wicketkeeper-batter who would be keen to prove a point after being released by Mumbai Indians and the presence of Heinrich Klaasen – one of the most destructive batters in modern white ball cricket – there are no prizes for guessing that they would be banking on their top order to set the momentum. If there is a slight question mark in that department, it could be the lack of a middle order batter who could hold the innings together, though Nitish Reddy can be handed the responsibility.

 Leaving Kishan aside, SRH also bolstered their bowling department in the mega auction – drafting seasoned paceman Mohammed Shami, death-over specialist Harshal Patel and two wrist spinners in Rahul Chahar and Adam Zampa. The team management has certainly taken cognizance of the fact that their bowlers were found wanting in trying to defend even big totals as teams like Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru ran them close during chases.  

 The IPL, meanwhile, will see the Big Three of Australian pace attack – Cummins, Mitchell Starc (Delhi Capitals) and Josh Hazlewood (RCB) returning to action after skipping the ICC Champions Trophy with niggles. Cummins, who had no prior experience of leading any team in the T20 format before SRH, soaked in the pressure cooker atmosphere of the league last season extremely well despite eventually failing to take them over the line.

Speaking to Cricket.com.au last month, Cummins gave an insight into how he had been managing time off the field and the steps he was taking to ensure a smooth return. ‘’It’s been an amazing month or so, just focusing entirely on family and not having to worry about training or an upcoming tour. Being completely present has been really special,’’ he said.

 Sunrisers have also strengthened their pace attack with senior pro Jaydev Unadkat, England’s Brydon Carse and Eshan Malinga and it would be interesting to see if they can ensure a continuity of sorts in their performance this season as well.

Full Squad for IPL 2025

Pat Cummins, Abhishek Sharma, Nitish Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen, Travis Head, Mohammed 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.