Who will be the Premier bowler? Top Picks, Auction Strategy and some surprise calls like Wanindu Hasaranga and… News24 –
IPL 2025 was a roller coaster ride for Sunrisers Hyderabad, as they finished sixth on the points table after six wins and seven losses in 14 matches. The orange army led by Pat Cummins started their campaign after a comprehensive victory against Rajasthan Royals, all thanks to Ishan Kishan’s maiden IPL century in 45 balls.
But after this match SRH went on to lose their next four games on troat against LSG, DC, KKR and GT respectively. The instability in batting and not so proven bowling lineup are the main reasons. At the later stages of the tournament, they tried to turn things around but it’s already too late to qualify for the playoffs.
Despite so many ups and downs from the last season, SRH decided to stick with most of their core which was built in last year’s mega auction. Players like Ishan Kishan, Pat Cummins, Travis Head, Henrich Klaseen, Abhishek Sharma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Brydon Carse and Aniket Verma were retained.
While batting is on the same line as last season, on the other hand, they made some crucial changes in bowling by trading Mohammad Shami to LSG in an all cash deal for Rs 10 crore and by releasing Rahul Chahar, Adam Zampa and Simarjeet Singh. Abhinav Manohar and Wiann Mulder from the all rounder category are also released from the squad.
What will be the auction strategy
With Rs 25.50 crore in the bank, SRH finds themselves in a comfortable situation during the auction as they just need to pick some quality bowler including an Indian spinner or an Overseas or Indian premier pacer with a healthy backup for Abhinav Manohar.
Top Indian Options Available
Ravi Bishnoi
With the release of Rahul Chahar and Adam Zampa, SRH desperately need a spinner who can partner up with Harsh. Majorly Ravi Bishnoi who is released by LSG for Rs 11 crore, is the only name in the auction with a builded reputation in spin dominance. In 77 matches, Bishnoi took 76 wickets with an economy rate of 8.22.
Vicky Ostwal
A spin bowling all rounder from Maharashtra, Vicky is a proven bowler in domestic circuit with almost 1300 runs and 44 wickets. His biggest positive is his economy during middle overs which is just 6.48.
Edden Apple Tom
Long height, sheer pace and within proper swing, Eden Apple Tom from Kerala holds immense potential as a pace bowler and with the release of Shami and Simrajeet, SRH should target him for the role.
Mahipal Lomror
As Abhinav Manohar is released from the team, they’ll definitely want someone for the role. Mahipal Lomror is a proven IPL player with the ability of part time spin and batting at any position from 1 to 7.
Top Overseas Options
Wanindu Hasranga
With the release of Adam Zampa, SRH freed up a slot for an overseas spinner and Wanindu Hasranga is perfect fit for it. Hasranga is an experienced leg spinner who can contribute with bat down the order as well.
Jacob Duffy
A perfect fit for SRH setup and with the third biggest purse they can easily acquire him. Duffy is Kiwi pacer who can swing the ball in both ways and can dip yorkers in death as well. Currently the no. 1 T20I bowler right now with 53 wickets at an economy of 7.36 in 38 matches.
SRH’s Retained Players for IPL 2026
Pat Cummins (c), Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Aniket Verma, R. Smaran, Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harsh Dubey, Kamindu Mendis, Harshal Patel, Brydon Carse, Jaydev Unadkat, Eshan Malinga, Zeeshan Ansari