Sunrisers Hyderabad Best Playing XI for IPL 2025: Can Travis Head Lead SRH to Glory?

As the IPL 2025 season draws near, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are poised to make another strong push for the title. They have a balanced squad with match-winners in all departments, but the key lies in getting the best combination in their playing XI.

After a strong run last year, where they reached the final but fell short against Kolkata Knight Riders, SRH has maintained their core players while bolstering the squad with new additions. Here’s a predicted lineup for SRH based on their strengths and team balance

1.Travis Head

The Australian opener and captain, Travis Head, will be the key player for SRH at the top of the order. Known for his aggressive style, Head can take control in the powerplay and set a strong foundation. In IPL 2024, Head amassed 567 runs in 15 matches at an impressive strike rate of 191.55, including four fifties and a century.

2. Abhishek Sharma

Abhishek Sharma‘s explosive batting in the powerplay makes him an ideal partner for Head at the top. With his ability to play both conventional and unorthodox shots, Sharma is a match-winner. He will be expected to provide stability in the opening overs and give the team a solid start.

3. Ishan Kishan (WK)

Ishan Kishan, a proven performer for Mumbai Indians, adds experience and versatility to the SRH top order. He can accelerate the innings in the middle overs while also playing the anchor role when needed. Kishan’s ability against spin makes him a crucial part of SRH’s strategy, especially on turning tracks.

4. Nitish Reddy

Nitish Reddy brings a solid batting presence to the middle order. His ability to build partnerships and anchor the innings while keeping the scoreboard ticking will be key for SRH. His consistent performances in domestic cricket make him a valuable asset to SRH’s middle order.

5. Heinrich Klaasen

The South African wicketkeeper-batter will be one of the mainstays of the middle order for SRH. Known for his aggressive batting style, Klaasen can clear the boundary and provide the much-needed acceleration in the later stages of the innings. His experience in big tournaments will be invaluable.

6. Abhinav Manohar/Sachin Baby

Abhinav Manohar and Sachin Baby offer SRH valuable flexibility in their middle order, and team management could use either based on match situations and conditions. Abhinav Manohar, with his aggressive approach and ability to accelerate the scoring rate, is ideal when SRH needs quick runs in the middle overs or during a steep chase.

On the other hand, Sachin Baby brings composure and experience, particularly useful on slower tracks where pacing the innings becomes crucial. Depending on whether SRH is batting first or chasing, and the nature of the opposition’s bowling attack, either Manohar’s explosive style or Baby’s stability could be preferred to strengthen SRH’s batting depth.

7. Pat Cummins

Pat Cummins, the Australian pace ace, will lead SRH’s fast-bowling attack. Known for his deadly yorkers and ability to pick up wickets in crucial moments, Cummins will be relied upon to strike early in the powerplay and provide breakthroughs in the middle overs.

8. Mohammed Shami

Shami’s experience and pace will be crucial for SRH in the IPL 2025. He has been in exceptional form recently and can provide valuable support to Cummins with his seam movement and ability to bowl in the death overs. Shami’s consistency and ability to take wickets will be vital in the bowling department.

9. Harshal Patel

Harshal Patel’s clever variations with the ball, particularly in the death overs, make him a key asset. His ability to bowl yorkers and slower balls effectively will allow SRH to apply pressure at critical moments. He is also handy with the bat and could play a cameo role in the lower order.

10. Jaydev Unadkat

The left-arm pacer, Jaydev Unadkat, will be important for SRH in the powerplay and middle overs. His left-arm angle can create problems for right-handed batters, and he will be expected to use the swing and conditions to his advantage. Unadkat’s ability to bowl in tough situations will make him an asset in the bowling attack.

11. Rahul Chahar

Rahul Chahar, one of the best young spinners in the IPL, will play a pivotal role for SRH in the middle overs. Known for his wicket-taking ability, especially in the powerplay and middle overs, Chahar will be relied upon to keep the run rate in check while providing breakthroughs for his team.

12. Adam Zampa/Simranjeet Singh (Impact Player)

Zampa could come into the playing XI on spin-friendly pitches where extra turn and control are crucial, especially at venues like Chennai or Lucknow. Additionally, if SRH faces opposition teams that struggle against quality leg-spin, Zampa’s inclusion might be a tactical move to exploit that weakness.

Simarjeet may feature in conditions offering seam movement, particularly on green tops or when there’s overcast weather. He could also be drafted in if SRH opts to rest their senior pacers or needs a fresh fast-bowling option to rotate their attack during a packed schedule.

Sunrisers Hyderabad Predicted Playing XI

Travis Head (C), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (WK), Nitish Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen, Abhinav Manohar/Sachin Baby, Pat Cummins, Mohammed Shami, Harshal Patel, Jaydev Unadkat, Rahul Chahar
Impact Player: Adam Zampa/ Simrajneet Singh

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