Sunrisers Hyderabad Prepare for the Highly Anticipated Sequel to their 2024 Blockbuster Season | Cricbuzz.com

**IPL 2025 – Team Analysis: Sunrisers Hyderabad Gearing Up for an Electrifying Sequel**

*By Prakash Govindasreenivasan*

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 approaches, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) is poised to build on their remarkable 2024 season. Few franchises can boast of a transformation as significant as SRH’s, shaking off a previous period of uncertainty post-David Warner’s departure to emerge victorious in 2024’s campaign. This turnaround was largely attributed to the astute leadership of Pat Cummins and the strategic stewardship of Head Coach Daniel Vettori. Joining hands with fellow Australian, Travis Head, Cummins steered SRH to a gripping IPL final—their first since 2018.

**Innovative Approach and Key Retentions**

In 2024, SRH’s novel approach, characterized by aggressive batting in PowerPlays, redefined their gameplay. This daring strategy, executed with precision, allowed them to maximize their scoring potential. Entering a crucial mega auction with a cohesive playing style, SRH retained six pivotal players, unrestricted by nationality, utilizing the revamped retention policy. With strategic retention, they preserved their core group, significantly impacting their prospects for 2025.

**Strategic Acquisitions and Squad Strength**

SRH strategically reinforced their bowling unit by acquiring Mohammed Shami and Harshal Patel to compensate for the departures of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and T Natarajan. Their aggressive retention strategy also ensured an explosive top-five batting lineup, augmented by the inclusion of Ishan Kishan, adding depth and dynamism.

**Full Squad and Predicted Best XI**

*Players*: Pat Cummins, Heinrich Klaasen, Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Nitish Reddy, Ishan Kishan, Mohammed Shami, Harshal Patel, Abhinav Manohar, Rahul Chahar, Adam Zampa, Simarjeet Singh, Eshan Malinga, Jaydev Unadkat, Wiaan Mulder, Kamindu Mendis, Zeeshan Ansari, Atharva Taide, Sachin Baby, Aniket Verma.

*Predicted Best XI*: Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan, Nitish Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen, Abhinav Manohar, Sachin Baby/Aniket Verma, Pat Cummins, Harshal Patel, Adam Zampa, Mohammed Shami, Rahul Chahar/Simarjeet Singh.

**Injury Updates and Player Motivation**

The team welcomes Wiaan Mulder, replacing an injured Brydon Carse. Pat Cummins has recovered from his ankle injury, poised to lead from the outset. Rising star Nitish Reddy is fit again after his recent side strain.

**Ishan Kishan: A Star with a Point to Prove**

Ishan Kishan faces a pivotal season, eager to reclaim his spot in the national squad after falling out of favor in all formats last year. His performance in the IPL could be critical for his comeback bid ahead of the T20 World Cup on home soil.

**Potential Breakout Star: Abhinav Manohar**

Abhinav Manohar, a promising talent from Karnataka, could seize the opportunity to solidify his place with SRH’s expansive batting principles aligning perfectly with his aggressive style. With limited playing time previously, Manohar now has the platform to showcase his prowess.

**Fixture Overview and Key Matchups**

SRH’s calendar offers a strategic advantage, beginning with home games in Hyderabad, capitalizing on familiar conditions to kickstart their season. Despite challenging away fixtures, SRH’s batting depth could prove crucial in maintaining momentum throughout the competition.

**Home Ground Dynamics and Batting Prospects**

Sunrisers’ home ground emerged as a batting paradise last season, with batters recording an impressive run rate. Continuing this aggressive approach, backed by impact players, SRH aims to sustain their dominance on home soil in 2025.

In summary, SRH enters IPL 2025 not just poised to replicate past successes but to innovate further with a blend of seasoned strategy and emerging talent. Under the leadership of a reinvigorated squad, the Sunrisers are primed to set the stage alight this season.

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