Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) enter Indian Premier League (IPL) auction
with ₹45 crores in their purse and a renewed focus on building a balanced team. With a strong core of Heinrich Klaasen (₹23 crore, the most expensive retainer in IPL history), Travis Head, captain Pat Cummins, Abhishek Sharma and Nitish Kumar Reddy, SRH’s batting looks formidable. However, to compete for the title, SRH need to strengthen their middle order, strengthen their bowling attack and recruit all-rounders and all-rounders.

With only one RTM card available for IPL 2025, usable on uncapped players, SRH must plan their purchases carefully to ensure squad depth and flexibility.

SRH Remaining Scholarship: Rs 45 million; RTM slots available: 1; Available player slots: 20 (5 overseas)

IPL 2025 auction: Sunrisers Hyderabad players targets

Aiden Markram

A reliable No.3 batsman with strong performances against spin and decent ability against pace, Markram’s leadership experience with the Sunrisers franchise (Sunrisers Eastern Cape) in the SA20 makes him a great addition. His calm presence could anchor SRH’s batting line-up.

Potential budget: ₹8-10 crore

Marco Jansen

The imposing left-arm pacer not only offers effective death bowling but also lower-order batting prowess. Jansen’s ability to bowl at any stage of the inning provides versatility, making him a crucial asset.

Potential budget: ₹9-11 crore

Tim David

A dynamic pace hitter in the lower order, David’s powerful hitting skills can turn the tables in the death overs. His proven T20 record makes him a sought-after player to complete roles.

Potential budget: ₹8-9 crore

Johnny Bairstow

Bairstow’s explosive batting at the top of the order and his mastery of pace and spin make him a valuable acquisition. Additionally, it provides a backup wicket option if Klaasen is not available.

Potential budget: ₹12-14 crore

Yuzvendra Chahal

A proven wicket-taker in the middle overs, Chahal’s experience and guile make him an ideal addition to SRH’s spin department. His association with other potential SRH spinners Washington Sundar and Shahbaz Ahmed could be crucial on slower tracks.

Potential budget: ₹9-10 crore

Ashutosh Sharma

A promising domestic talent, Sharma fits the bill as a pace hitter lower down the order. His ability to constantly push the envelope makes him a potential candidate for SRH’s finishing roles.

Potential budget: ₹3-4 crore

T. Natarajan

India’s ‘York king’ is a perfect fit for SRH as a death specialist. His ability to deliver under pressure and his familiarity with the franchise could prompt a re-signing.

Potential budget: ₹6-8 crore

IPL 2025 Auction: Sunrisers Hyderabad Bidding Strategy

SRH will make it a priority to fill specific gaps in their team, starting with getting a strong No. 3 batter like Markram or Bairstow who can deal with spin-friendly conditions and counter pace effectively.

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For the lower order, acquiring a pace hitter like David, Ashutosh or Abdul Samad will be crucial to finish matches strong. In the bowling department, the focus will be on all-round options like Jansen and Natarajan, who can deliver dead-on reliability. Adding a quality spinner like Chahal or even Noor Ahmad will complete the attack.

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The franchise’s only RTM card for IPL 2025 will likely be reserved for uncapped talent, which they can use to re-sign someone like Samad. With ₹45 crore in hand, SRH must balance marquee signings with cost-effective picks to build a complete and competitive squad. If executed correctly, this strategy could propel SRH into the title race in IPL 2025.