Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) showcased an exciting brand of cricket in IPL 2024, storming their way to the final but falling short of clinching their second title. With new additions and renewed strategies, SRH is aiming to go one step further in IPL 2025. Here are three key factors that could determine their fate in the upcoming season.
1. Power-Packed Opening Pair: Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma
The opening partnership of Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma was the cornerstone of SRH’s success in IPL 2024. The duo amassed a stunning 691 runs together, including three century stands, consistently taking games away from opponents in the powerplay.
- Travis Head’s 2024 IPL Stats:
Runs: 567 | Average: 40.50 | Strike Rate: 191.55 | 1 Century, 4 Half-Centuries - Abhishek Sharma’s 2024 IPL Stats:
Runs: 484 | Average: 32.26 | Strike Rate: 204.21 | 3 Half-Centuries
Abhishek’s recent domestic form has been phenomenal, including a joint-fastest T20 century in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (off 28 balls) and a stellar Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign. If this pair replicates their fireworks, SRH could dominate early in games.
2. Middle-Order Reliability: Heinrich Klaasen and Others
While Heinrich Klaasen was a pivotal figure for SRH in IPL 2024, his recent slump in form is a cause for concern.
- Klaasen’s Current Form:
223 runs in 16 T20 innings since July 2024 | Average: 14.88 | Strike Rate: 121
To offset Klaasen’s struggles, SRH will rely on options like Ishan Kishan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Abhinav Manohar. Reddy has been impressive, but Kishan and Manohar must deliver consistently to stabilize the middle order. A faltering middle order could derail SRH’s campaign.
3. A Revamped Pace Attack Led by Pat Cummins
SRH’s bowling unit underwent significant changes in the IPL 2025 auction, with Mohammed Shami, Harshal Patel, and Simarjeet Singh joining Pat Cummins.
- Pat Cummins’ 2024 Stats:
18 Wickets | Economy: 9.29 - Harshal Patel’s 2024 Stats:
24 Wickets | Economy: 9.73 (Leading Wicket-Taker for Punjab Kings)
Shami, who missed IPL 2024 due to injury, brings consistency and experience with the new ball, having claimed 67 wickets across three seasons (2021-2023) at an economy of 7.85. The key for SRH will be keeping this pace unit fit and firing throughout the tournament.
Final Takeaway!
Sunrisers Hyderabad have all the pieces to mount a serious challenge for the IPL 2025 trophy. Their opening pair, middle-order stability, and a potent pace attack will be pivotal. However, with questions over form and consistency, SRH’s success will depend on how well these factors align during the tournament.
Do you think SRH has what it takes to go all the way in IPL 2025?
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