Head, Abhishek To Open, Ishan Kishan At No. 3; SRH's Probable Batting Order For IPL 2025

Travis Head & Abhishek Sharma [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x.com]

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are set to light up IPL 2025 with their explosive and fearless batting lineup. Last season, they set new benchmarks in T20 cricket by rewriting the record books with two of the highest-ever IPL totals: 287 vs RCB and 277 vs MI.

Their opening pair of Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma demolished bowling attacks while their middle order led by Heinrich Klaasen and Nitish Kumar Reddy ensured there was no respite for opposition bowlers. Now, with the inclusion of Ishan Kishan, SRH’s batting looks even more devastating.

With the tournament fast approaching, let's decode who all from SRH squad for IPL 2025 will form their top 7 in the batting department and why this could be the most lethal batting unit in the tournament.

Travis Head & Abhishek Sharma to Open

Table - Travis Head & Abhishek Sharma IPL 2024 stats

SRH’s success last season was largely built on their explosive opening duo of Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma. They threw caution to the wind and dismantled opposition bowlers in the powerplay and laid the perfect foundation for massive totals. Their ultra-aggressive approach was key to SRH’s record-breaking exploits and will

Head was SRH’s leading run-scorer last season, bringing his fearless, attacking style from international cricket into the IPL. His ability to take down both pace and spin makes him one of the most dangerous batters in the tournament. Last season, he played some jaw-dropping knocks, making 191.55 strike rate look like a cheat code.

On the other hand, Abhishek Sharma was the perfect partner in crime for Head, ensuring SRH got off to rapid starts in almost every game. A rare Indian batter with a strike rate over 200, he has the ability to clear the ropes effortlessly. His fearless approach made him a nightmare for bowlers and if he converts his starts into bigger scores, he will be one of the most valuable batters in IPL 2025.

---

ALSO READ

Brydon Carse Out, Wiaan Mulder In; SRH's Strongest XI For 1st IPL 2025 Match vs RR

---

Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen, and Nitish Kumar Reddy in the Middle Order

Table - Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen & Nitish Kumar Reddy IPL 2024 stats

SRH splashed INR 11.40 crore on Ishan Kishan in the IPL 2025 auction and for good reason. A dynamic left-handed batter, Kishan’s fearless hitting complements the aggression of the openers. His presence at No. 3 ensures that even if an early wicket falls, the pressure doesn’t ease off for the opposition.

Klaasen was arguably SRH’s MVP in the middle order last season. His ability to attack from ball one and finish games under pressure makes him a nightmare for bowlers. He thrives against spin which makes him an invaluable asset during the middle overs. With a strike rate of 171.07, the South African is one of the most dangerous finishers in the game today.

Nitish Kumar Reddy had a breakthrough season in IPL 2024, earning an India call-up in both Tests and T20Is. He provides a rare combination of power-hitting and composure in the middle order. His ability to clear the boundaries effortlessly ensures SRH keeps up the scoring rate even if wickets fall. Expect him to take up an even more prominent role in 2025.

Abhinav Manohar & Pat Cummins at 7

Table - Abhinav Manohar  IPL career stats & Pat Cummins IPL 2024 stats

SRH’s lower middle order is just as dangerous as their top order, ensuring no respite for bowlers. Manohar didn’t get many chances last season but he is a big-hitting finisher waiting to explode. Given the right opportunity, he can take down any bowler in the death overs. With SRH likely to bat deep, expect him to play some match-winning cameos.

Captain Cummins might be a bowler first but he is no mug with the bat. Who can forget his 14-ball IPL fifty? While he won’t be SRH’s primary hitter, he provides late-order firepower that can turn games around.

SRH’s Probable Batting Order

Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klassen, Nitish Reddy, Abhinav Manohar, Pat Cummins

---

ALSO READ

SRH's Coaching Staff 2025: Head Coach, Success Rate

---