3 overseas players for SRH to target in IPL 2025 mega auction [Source: @CSKYash_/X.com]
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), who retained 5 players at the IPL 2025 retention deadline, have very little room for overseas players. Out of the 5 retention, 3 were overseas namely Heinrich Klaasen, Travis Head and captain Pat Cummins.
Overseas players come at a cost. Hence, to retain these three foreign players, SRH cashed out INR 46 crores out of the total budget of INR 120 crores. Hence, heading into the IPL 2025 mega auction scheduled for November 24 and 25, SRH will be left with an INR 45 crore purse.
That being said, despite retaining the core, SRH lacks quality spinners in the squad. Spinners are match-winners in IPL and hence to have a couple of wicket-taking options is extremely crucial for SRH to ensure another deep playoff finish.
On that note, here are 3 such overseas options SRH can target at the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction.
3. Noor Ahmad
Noor Ahmad
Why Will SRH Target Noor Ahmad?
Afghanistan left-arm chinaman spinner Noor Ahmad was a key asset for GT in the last 3 IPL seasons. He picked up a total of 24 wickets in 23 games with 8.04 economy. After spin wizard Rashid Khan, Noor is a primary spin option for Afghanistan.
His youth, variation, and match-winning potential could make him a long-term investment for SRH as they rebuild their bowling attack. While Noor's base price is INR 2 crore, SRH can bag him for a reasonable price.
2. Mitchell Santner
Mitchell Santner [Source: @IPL/X.com]
Why Will SRH Target Mitchell Santner?
Left-arm leg spinner Mitchell Santner is an underrated option that can boost any IPL team's spin attack. While his IPL stint lasted only 18 games, Santner grabbed 15 wickets in those opportunities with a 6.92 economy.
Moreover, Santner's recent success in the Test series against India will further encourage IPL franchises to go after him. For SRH, Santner's economical left-arm spin can choke runs in the middle overs, while his ability to strike big with the bat down the order adds depth to the lineup. Hence, SRH must bid for Santner to solidify the spin attack.
1. Jonny Bairstow
Jonny Bairstow
Why Will SRH Target Jonny Bairstow?
England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow, who previously played for SRH, is a bonus batting option. Bairstow can open and even come at no.3 to anchor. He can dominate bowlers in the powerplay and could provide the firepower SRH desperately needs at the top of the order. Additionally, Bairstow brings the added advantage of being a wicketkeeper.
Currently, SRH has Klaasen as a part-time wicket-keeping choice. Hence adding a full-time player behind the stumps could make a lot of difference for SRH. Overall, a reunion with Bairstow could be the boost SRH's batting unit needs to perform consistently in high-pressure games.