SRH Retained Players 2025 | IPL 2025 Retention Players List Royal Challengers Bengaluru Probability and Mega Auction Strategy

As the IPL 2025 mega auction looms, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), the 2024 IPL finalists, are preparing to retain a solid core while making smart additions through the auction. Under the leadership of Daniel Vettori as head coach and Pat Cummins as captain, SRH is building a well-balanced squad that has the potential to challenge for the IPL title once again. With a talented pool of retained players, SRH aims to fill key gaps in the upcoming auction to build a formidable team.

This article explores SRH’s retention probabilities, mega auction strategy, Right to Match (RTM) options, key auction targets, and a focus on emerging players as they look to assemble a competitive team for IPL 2025.

Since their inception in 2013, Sunrisers Hyderabad has established a reputation as a franchise that focuses on building strong bowling attacks. SRH won their first and only IPL title in 2016 under the leadership of David Warner and have since been known for their consistency, regularly making playoff appearances. Despite several near misses, including the 2024 season where they finished as finalists, SRH has been one of the most competitive franchises in the IPL.

Sunrisers Hyderabad has historically focused on building strong bowling units while also relying on explosive overseas talent to deliver with the bat. In the IPL 2024 mega auction, they splashed ₹20.50 crore to sign Pat Cummins, reflecting their strategy to bring in high-impact players who can contribute in multiple departments. Other notable purchases have included Washington Sundar, Rahul Tripathi, and Marco Jansen, signifying a balance between Indian and overseas talent. The franchise has shown a pattern of making strategic investments in young Indian talent, like Abhishek Sharma and Umran Malik, while also securing experienced internationals like Heinrich Klaasen and Travis Head.

Core Retentions for IPL 2025

Ahead of the mega auction, SRH is expected to retain a core group of five players:

1. Pat Cummins

   • As SRH's captain, Pat Cummins offers leadership and world-class all-round abilities. Cummins' performances in T20 cricket and IPL have been impressive, especially his ability to bowl with accuracy in the powerplay and death overs. His lower-order batting contributions further solidify his status as a vital retention for SRH.

2. Heinrich Klaasen

   • Heinrich Klaasen has been a revelation for SRH with his aggressive middle-order batting and sharp wicketkeeping. Klaasen’s ability to finish games and adapt to various match situations makes him one of the most dependable players in the squad.

3. Travis Head 

   • Travis Head has provided SRH with explosive starts at the top of the order. His aggressive batting style and extensive international experience have made him a key figure in SRH’s top order. Head’s consistency in IPL 2024, combined with his ability to anchor innings, makes him a crucial retention.

4. Abhishek Sharma

   • Abhishek Sharma, an all-rounder, has grown into a reliable option for SRH. His left-arm spin provides balance to the bowling attack, while his aggressive batting, particularly in the powerplay, has contributed to SRH's success. Abhishek’s versatility makes him a cornerstone for the 2025 season.

Right to Match (RTM) Options

SRH is likely to use their RTM option for the following players:

1. Washington Sundar 

   • Washington Sundar has been a reliable all-rounder, contributing both with bat and ball. His off-spin has proven effective in restricting runs, especially on turning pitches, and his ability to bat lower down the order adds depth to SRH’s lineup.

2. T. Natarajan 

   • T. Natarajan will likely be a top choice for RTM due to his consistent performances as a death-over specialist. His ability to contain runs and pick wickets at crucial moments will be vital for SRH in the upcoming season. known for his death bowling and precise yorkers, has been one of the most economical and consistent performers in SRH’s bowling unit. Natarajan’s ability to control the game at crucial moments makes him a retention priority, especially as SRH looks to rebuild their bowling arsenal.

Key Auction Targets from Other Franchises

SRH is expected to target several key players from other franchises to strengthen their squad:

1. Shahrukh Khan (from Gujarat Titans)

   • Known for his hard-hitting lower-order batting, Shahrukh Khan is a versatile player who can provide much-needed stability and firepower in the middle order. SRH could benefit from his ability to finish games, particularly in tight chases.

2. Rahul Chahar (from Punjab Kings)

   • Rahul Chahar, the leg-spinner, has been effective in the middle overs by breaking partnerships and maintaining pressure on the opposition. His wicket-taking abilities and economical spells make him a perfect addition to SRH’s spin department.

Foreign Players SRH May Target

SRH has traditionally relied on impactful foreign players. For IPL 2025, they may target:

1. Daryl Mitchell (from Chennai Super Kings)

   • Daryl Mitchell is a powerful all-rounder capable of hitting big sixes and providing key overs with the ball. His ability to perform under pressure makes him a perfect fit for SRH’s middle order.

2. Reece Topley (from Royal Challengers Bengaluru)

   • Reece Topley offers left-arm pace, which could bring variety to SRH’s pace attack. Topley’s ability to swing the ball upfront and bowl economically in the powerplay makes him an attractive target for SRH.

Emerging Players SRH May Target

1. Yash Dhull (from Delhi Capitals)

   • Yash Dhull, captain of India’s U19 World Cup-winning team, has shown immense promise as a top-order batsman. His calm demeanor and ability to build innings make him a perfect target for SRH, providing them with consistency in the middle order.

2. Mayank Yadav (from Lucknow Super Giants)

   • Mayank Yadav is an emerging fast bowler who has impressed with his raw pace and ability to generate bounce. SRH could target him to add depth to their pace department, ensuring they have backup options for players like Cummins and Natarajan.

Complete Expected Squad and Winning Combination for IPL 2025

Based on core retentions, Right to Match (RTM) options, and key auction targets, here's a complete expected Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) squad for IPL 2025:

Top Order:

• Travis Head
• Abhishek Sharma
• Daryl Mitchell (Auction Target) 

Middle Order and All-Rounders:

• Heinrich Klaasen (Wicketkeeper)
• Shahrukh Khan (Auction Target)
• Rahul Chahar (Auction Target)
• Washington Sundar (RTM)

Pace Attack:

• Pat Cummins (Captain)
• Bhuvneshwar Kumar
• T. Natarajan (RTM)
• Mayank Yadav (Emerging Target)
• Reece Topley (Auction Target)

Spin Department:

• Washington Sundar (RTM)
• Rahul Chahar (Auction Target)

SRH has had plenty of big hitters in recent seasons, with players like Heinrich Klaasen and Travis Head providing power at the top. However, the team has struggled with consistency in the middle order. For IPL 2025, SRH is looking for players who can anchor the innings and score consistently under pressure. Targeting players like Shahrukh Khan for the middle order will help SRH fill this gap and ensure they have the stability needed to compete at the highest level.

While SRH boasts a formidable batting lineup, their bowling department has often been inconsistent, barring key performers like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and T. Natarajan. Other bowlers have leaked runs in crucial situations, prompting the team to prioritize building an economical bowling unit for IPL 2025. Additionally, although their batters are big hitters, SRH has lacked consistent run-scorers in the middle order. This auction cycle will focus on finding reliable middle-order players who can complement the aggressive top-order.

For IPL 2025, Sunrisers Hyderabad is focused on strengthening their bowling unit, addressing key gaps in their squad, and adding consistent middle-order run-scorers. The news around Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant possible availability also created some buzz, though it seems unlikely at this point. As always, SRH will continue to make strategic auction decisions to create a balanced team that can challenge for the title SRH is building a well-rounded team capable of competing for the title once again. Their strategy of retaining core players and adding key new players, particularly in the bowling and middle-order departments, will be crucial for their 2025 campaign.

Sunrisers Hyderabad IPL 2024 squad:

1. Pat Cummins – ₹20.50 crore
2. Washington Sundar – ₹8.75 crore
3. Rahul Tripathi – ₹8.50 crore
4. Mayank Agarwal – ₹8.25 crore
5. Travis Head – ₹6.80 crore
6. Abhishek Sharma – ₹6.50 crore
7. Heinrich Klaasen – ₹5.25 crore
8. Marco Jansen – ₹4.20 crore
9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar – ₹4.20 crore
10. Abdul Samad – ₹4.00 crore
11. Umran Malik – ₹4.00 crore
12. T. Natarajan – ₹4.00 crore
13. Aiden Markram – ₹2.60 crore
14. Shahbaz Ahmed – ₹2.40 crore
15. Jaydev Unadkat – ₹1.60 crore
16. Wanindu Hasaranga – ₹1.50 crore
17. Glenn Phillips – ₹1.50 crore
18. Mayank Markande – ₹0.50 crore
19. Fazalhaq Farooqi – ₹0.50 crore
20. Upendra Yadav – ₹0.25 crore
21. Jhatavedh Subramanyan – ₹0.20 crore
22. Akash Singh – ₹0.20 crore
23. Nitish Kumar Reddy – ₹0.20 crore
24. Sanvir Singh – ₹0.20 crore
25. Anmolpreet Singh – ₹0.20 crore