As the 2025 IPL auction draws near, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) is faced with tricky choices about who to keep under new regulations. After a great 2024 season ending as runners-up, the team will aim to keep a strong base, but let some go to increase their auction funds.
Updated IPL rules allow teams to keep as many as six players, whether they’re known or new, or use a right-to-match (RTM) offer to recall key athletes during the auction. With a team packed with top global players and rising Indian stars, SRH’s choices will probably steer their 2025 season.
Below, we consider who SRH might keep for the 2025 IPL auction, pairings know-how, up-and-coming talent, and the necessity to renew their team.
READ MORE: Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) begins the retention process for IPL Mega Auction
Overseas Stars Expected to Be Retained
In IPL 2024, SRH once again saw a strong contribution from their international players like Pat Cummins, Heinrich Klaasen, and Travis Head. Whether wielding a bat or a ball, they were instrumental. Based on this performance, it’s a good guess that SRH will try to keep them around.
Pat Cummins, for one, was an absolute game-changer at SRH during the IPL 2024. He took charge both with the ball and as a team leader. The way he snagged important opponent wickets and kept the batting tight was a huge plus for SRH. No wonder the prediction is, with a retention price of ₹18 crore, Cummins could be the team’s #1 retainee.
Heinrich Klaasen, handy behind the stumps, was a standout for SRH in 2024. His big hits late in the order kept matches tight. It’s believed he’ll be back for ₹18 crore.
Travis Head, an equally important overseas addition, steadied the middle order with his batting. Likely returning for ₹11 crore, this stand-out will boost the top order.
The value of these overseas stars is undeniable. SRH will want them back to keep their IPL 2025 hopes alive.
MORE ON: Sanath Jayasuriya Appointed Full-Time Coach of Sri Lanka Until 2026 T20 World Cup
RTM Option for Marco Jansen
SRH’s big decision involves Marco Jansen, a South African all-rounder. Even though he only played a bit in the IPL 2024 season, Jansen holds promise.
He brings two key abilities: getting the new ball to bounce more and powerful batting. Sounds good for SRH, right? What about Aiden Markram, who’s been having trouble lately? If Markram goes, Jansen might step in with an RTM card. An all-rounder like him could boost SRH’s bowling and add punch to the batting lineup.
Domestic Stars to Be Retained
The Sunrisers Hyderabad team sure has benefitted from some key Indian players. Especially all-rounder Abhishek Sharma. The guy’s pretty fantastic with both bat and ball from last season. The buzz is that they’re going to keep him for ₹14 crore. He’s pretty important for the SRH’s game strategy.
Another rising star to watch is leg-spinner Mayank Markande. This guy hasn’t played at international level yet, but he’s been solid for the team. His ability to take wickets makes him really valuable. They’re thinking of keeping him for ₹4 crore. Markande brings a nice balance to the team’s bowling line.
A Decade with Bhuvneshwar Kumar Could End
After a decade with Sunrisers Hyderabad, Bhuvneshwar Kumar might be leaving. In IPL history, Kumar’s achieved fourth place for taking the most wickets, claiming 181 in 176 games. Yet, he’s not played as well lately. With an average score of 48.45 and a strike rate of 31.09 in the 2024 IPL, his performance has been lacklustre.
But despite the downturn in his form, we cannot forget how much Kumar has given to the franchise. However, it appears that SRH might say goodbye to Kumar. They seem to be eyeing young, fresh players for the 2025 IPL season.
READ MORE: Pakistan Confident About Hosting Champions Trophy 2025, Hopes for India’s Participation
SRH’s Retention Strategy: Balancing Core Strength with Auction Flexibility
SRH can keep up to six players according to the retention rules. It also leaves room for the IPL 2025 auction. Below is an explanation of the possible player retentions and their worth:
Retention SlotValuePlayerCapped Retention 1₹18 crorePat CumminsCapped Retention 2₹14 croreAbhishek SharmaCapped Retention 3₹11 croreTravis HeadCapped Retention 4₹18 croreHeinrich KlaasenUncapped Retention 1₹4 croreMayank MarkandeUncapped Retention 2₹4 crore–RTM Card 1–Marco JansenTotal₹65 croreAuction Purse Remaining₹55 croreSRH, sitting on a hefty ₹55 crore auction sum, is well-postured to recruit new, promising players. They can do this while still preserving their strong team foundation from the 2024 season.
Conclusion: SRH Aiming for Another Strong Season in IPL 2025
The IPL 2025 auction is coming up. Sunrisers Hyderabad is focusing on keeping key players who made them successful in 2024. They expect ace international players like Pat Cummins, Heinrich Klaasen, and Travis Head to stay. Up-and-coming stars like Abhishek Sharma and Mayank Markande may also stand out more. SRH is ready for a strong 2025.
Stay with us for detailed reports, team game plans, and the latest news as the IPL 2025 auction happens! Keep up with our blog for the newest updates.
English