Sunrisers Hyderabad (Photo credit: X)

NEW DELHI: Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) entered the IPL 2025 auction with a clear focus on building a balanced and competitive team, retaining a strong core of five players ahead of the auction.
The 2016 IPL champions are known for their bowling dominance and consistent performances over the years. However, the franchise is eager to return to its winning form and address the gaps in its squad that have hampered consistency in recent seasons.
After spending INR 75 crore on retentions, SRH entered the auction with INR 45 crore remaining from its total purse of INR 120 crore, giving it room to make strategic additions to complete its core pool.
When it comes to retained players, Heinrich Klaasen tops the list for Sunrisers Hyderabad with an impressive investment of INR 23 crores. Recognized as one of the best T20 players in the world, Klaasen’s explosive batting and ability to close out games under pressure makes him the backbone of SRH’s batting order.
His form and versatility make him a vital part of their middle order in IPL 2025. Alongside him, Pat Cummins, retained for INR 18 crore, adds immense value to the team.
The Australian speedster brings unrivaled experience, pace and leadership. His deathly accuracy and ability to deliver in high-pressure situations make him the cornerstone of the team’s bowling attack.
Travis Head, retained for INR 14 crore, further strengthens the SRH team. Head’s adaptability and expertise against spin make him a vital top-class player, capable of anchoring innings or accelerating as needed.
Abhishek Sharma, another INR 14 crore retention, is an all-rounder whose aggressive top-order batting and effective left-arm spin provide crucial balance.

Rounding out the retentions is Nitish Kumar Reddy, retained for INR 6 crore, demonstrating SRH’s commitment to developing young talent.
With INR 45 crore in hand, SRH have targeted a reliable spinner to complement their attack and additional depth in their batting line-up. These additions will be crucial to ensure more consistent performances in IPL 2025.