It’s almost time for the IPL 2025 auction, and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have a core of five players retained with heavy batting, leaving them with Rs 45 crore in their auction purse and their marquee set targets they could be interesting.
With key gaps in their bowling attack, SRH could focus on strengthening this area, targeting top players who can complement their batting-heavy group that was retained. Pat Cummins was a key retention as leader and will need strong support in the bowling department and the marquee game will offer them excellent options.
Here’s a look at why some of these players could be pivotal for SRH ahead of the IPL 2025 auction.
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Mohammed Siraj
Hyderabad local Mohammed Siraj is one of the best domestic pacers available in this auction. Known for his ability to deliver in both power plays and death plays, Siraj adds versatility to any pace attack in the IPL.
While his recent performances for RCB at Chinnaswamy have not been consistent, he remains a proven wicket-taker. Siraj’s familiarity with Hyderabad conditions could make him an ideal pick for SRH, especially given his focus on impactful bowling options.
On a tighter budget, Siraj could also be a more viable option than alternatives like Arshdeep Singh, who could go for a high fee in the IPL 2025 auction after his impressive recent performances for India in the format, including in the World Cup T20 2024.
Yuzvendra Chahal
Yuzvendra Chahal, the IPL’s all-time leading wicket-taker, brings unrivaled experience and quality. SRH have struggled to find a reliable homegrown player in the last few seasons, making Chahal the perfect option.
His ability to control the middle order and take key wickets would provide SRH with much-needed balance, especially on flat tracks in Hyderabad. Released by Rajasthan Royals, Chahal could fill a crucial gap in SRH’s bowling line-up.
Chahal has the experience of controlling scoring rates at tough bowling venues and in Hyderabad, a spinner like him could be very useful for SRH as they focus on pitches that enhance their big-hitting batting line-up.
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Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Starc could form a lethal combination with fellow Australian Pat Cummins in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s pace attack, replicating their success in international cricket. Starc’s ability to attack early in the powerplay and bowl effectively at the death makes him invaluable on flat pitches like the one in Hyderabad.
His addition would strengthen SRH’s bowling unit and create a balanced attack capable of handling high-scoring matches at home. While he had an average season in KKR last time after fetching a record price at the auction, his performances in the playoffs prove why Starc can never be counted out in this format of the game.
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SRH will have not-so-fond memories of Starc’s fiery spell in the IPL 2024 final against them and will hope to bring in the Australian this time.
With limited funds and a focus on strengthening their bowling, Sunrisers Hyderabad are likely to target high-impact bowlers in this auction. Securing players like Siraj, Chahal or Starc would not only address their needs but also provide the team with the firepower to complement their strong batting core in the upcoming IPL 2025 season.