SRH IPL 2025 Squad Analysis: Can Cummins Repeat Warner's Captaincy Feat From 2016?

SRH team in IPL 2025 [Source: @TeluguScribe/x.com]

Sunrisers Hyderabad is one of the teams who have shown good potential but has sometimes disappointed their fans. The franchise peaked during 2016, when under the leadership of David Warner they defeated the Royal Challengers Benagluru in the final to win the title.

For 2025, the Hyderabad have assembled a decent squad. Pat Cummins will be leading the team and will be looking to take the team through to the final and win the title.

In this article, we will take a look at the SRH squad and analyse their chances in the upcoming edition of the tournament. 

1SRH IPL 2025 Full Squad

Batter: Travis Head, Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen, Sachin Baby, Aniket Varma
All-rounders: Abhishek Sharma, Abhinav Manohar, Kamindu Mendis, Wiaan Mulder, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Atharva Taide
Bowlers: Pat Cummins, Rahul Chahar, Ehsan Malinga, Mohammed Shami, Harshal Patel, Simarjeet Singh, Jaydev Unadkat, Adam Zampa, Zeeshan Ansari

SRH Squad Analysis: Metrics Definitions

Batting Index (BI)

A normalized metric (1-100 scale) that evaluates batsmen against others in similar batting positions rather than all batsmen. A score of 50 represents the average performance for that specific batting position (Top, Middle, or Lower order). Values above 50 indicate above-average performance, while values below 50 indicate below-average performance. The index accounts for position-specific expectations and priorities, weighing metrics differently based on role.

Bowling Index (BI)

A normalized metric (1-100 scale) that evaluates bowlers against others who operate in similar match phases (Powerplay, Middle overs, Death overs). A score of 50 represents the average performance for that specific bowling phase. Values above 50 indicate above-average performance, while values below 50 indicate below-average performance. The index accounts for phase-specific challenges and expectations, adjusting metric importance based on when the bowler typically operates.

Overall Index (OI)

A weighted combination of Batting and Bowling Indices that reflects a player's total contribution. The weighting varies based on player role, with specialists receiving heavier weighting toward their primary discipline (e.g., 90% batting/10% bowling for pure batsmen; 10% batting/90% bowling for pure bowlers; balanced weighting for all-rounders). This provides a single metric to evaluate overall player value while respecting their primary role.

Position-Based Performance Index Method

The methodology that underpins all the metrics, comparing players only against others in similar roles rather than the full player pool. This approach addresses the fundamental limitation of traditional cricket statistics by recognising that different positions and phases have distinct challenges and expectations. The method ensures players are evaluated on how well they perform their specific role rather than against generic averages.

SRH Player performance radar chart [Source: OneCricket]

Strengths Of Sunrisers Hyderabad For IPL 2025

1. Elite All-Round Talent

Inference: Pat Cummins stands out as SRH's most valuable player with exceptional all-round capabilities. His dual threat as both a top-tier lower-order batter (61) and elite bowler (69) gives SRH tremendous tactical flexibility. As the only player with both batting and bowling indices above 50, Cummins provides balance that few teams can match.

Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head and Heinrich Klaasen [Source: @thecricketgully/x.com]

2. Strong Top and Middle Order Batting

Inference: SRH boasts high-quality batting at the top of the order with Travis Head (57) providing top-order firepower and Heinrich Klaasen (56) anchoring the middle order. This combination gives the team a solid batting foundation and the ability to maintain momentum throughout the innings.

Position wise batting index of SRH [Source: OneCricket]

3. Quality Bowling Options

Inference: SRH's bowling strength depends on the middle overs phase, with three bowlers rated significantly above average. The attack offers variety with right-arm pace (Cummins), left-arm medium (Unadkat), and left-arm spin (Sharma), giving SRH multiple options to control the crucial middle phase of the innings.

Weaknesses Of Sunrisers Hyderabad For IPL 2025

1. Limited Phase Specialisation Data

Our analysis shows a concentration of bowling expertise in the middle overs, with no specialists identified for the powerplay or death phases. This could present challenges during these critical periods, potentially forcing bowlers to operate outside their optimal phases.

Threats And Opportunities In IPL 2025 For SRH

1. Squad Composition Analysis

Inference: The SRH squad shows a bowling-heavy composition (45%) with a good complement of all-rounders (30%). While only Pat Cummins demonstrates elite all-round capabilities (both indices above 50), the team has several players who can contribute across disciplines.

2. Team Averages Assessment

Inference: Sunrisers Hyderabad presents as a well-balanced side with team averages hovering around the mean. Their slightly higher batting average (60) suggests their strategy should emphasize their batting strength while ensuring their bowling unit provides good defensive tactical play.

SRH player value by roles [Source: OneCricket]

X-Factor Player: Pat Cummins

Pat Cummins [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x.com]

Three reasons why the Australian all-rounder could be the tournament's decisive player:

Elite Dual Threat - Cummins' exceptional indices in both batting (61) and bowling (69) make him one of the most valuable players in the competition.

Phase Specialist - His bowling excellence in the middle overs provides a critical advantage during a key phase of matches.

Leadership Impact - Beyond his statistical contributions, his experience and tactical acumen add immeasurable value to SRH's campaign.

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Situation-Specific Playing XIs

When Bowling First

Starting XI

Travis Head ✈️ - Top order batter
Abhishek Sharma - Batting all-rounder
Ishan Kishan - Wicketkeeper batter
Heinrich Klaasen ✈️ - Middle order batter
Nitish Kumar Reddy - Batting all-rounder
Abhinav Manohar - Middle order batsman
Pat Cummins ✈️ - All-rounder (c)
Adam Zampa ✈️ - Spin Bowler
Jaydev Unadkat  - Bowler
Mohammed Shami - Bowler
Harshal Patel - Bowler

Impact Player options: Aniket Verma can replace a batter for added depth in the line-up.

Strategy: When bowling first, this XI provides four quality bowlers plus all-round options in Cummins, Abhishek Sharma. The batting remains strong with Head and Klaasen anchoring the lineup, and the flexibility to bring in Aniket Verma during the chase allows the team to chase considerable totals. 

When Batting First

Starting XI

Travis Head ✈️ - Top order batsman
Abhishek Sharma - Batting all-rounder
Ishan Kishan  - Wicketkeeper batsman
Heinrich Klaasen ✈️ - Middle order batsman/Wicketkeeper
Aniket Verma - Middle-Order batter
Nitish Kumar Reddy - Batting all-rounder
Abhinav Manohar  - Middle order batsman
Pat Cummins ✈️ - All-rounder (c)
Wiaan Mulder ✈️ - All-rounder
Harshal Patel- Bowler
Mohammed Shami - Bowler

Impact Player options: Rahul Chahar or Jaydev Unadkat  can replace a batter based on match situation.

Strategy: When batting first, this XI emphasizes batting depth while maintaining bowling quality. The presence of multiple all-rounders (Cummins, Sharma, Reddy, Mulder) provides batting depth through the order. The Impact Player option allows for tactical flexibility based on how the innings progresses, with Rahul Chahar or Jaydev Unadkat available to strengthen the bowling attack.

Predictions For Sunrisers Hyderabad In IPL 2025

Based on our comprehensive position-based analysis, we project:

SRH enter IPL 2025 with solid foundations across both batting and bowling. Their standout strength is Pat Cummins, whose elite all-round capabilities (Batting Index 61, Bowling Index 69) provide exceptional value. The team shows good balance with slightly above-average overall metrics (Team Index 51.2).

Their primary challenge will be phase specialisation in bowling, particularly in the powerplay and death overs where no specialists were identified. While their middle-overs bowling looks strong with Cummins (69), Unadkat (59), and Sharma (57), they may struggle during other phases unless players adapt or undocumented talents emerge.

The batting lineup features quality in Travis Head (57) at the top and Heinrich Klaasen (56) in the middle order. If their untested batting resources perform, they could surprise many teams.

The team's success will heavily depend on maximising Pat Cummins' dual threat capabilities while finding the right balance for their bowling attack across all phases of the game.

Final Verdict: Mid-Table Finish Likely

Sunrisers Hyderabad has the foundation of a competitive team but lacks the well-rounded excellence needed for title contention. While Pat Cummins provides exceptional all-round value and the team shows good balance between disciplines, the lack of phase specialisation in key periods could prove costly against more complete squads.

Our position-based analysis suggests SRH will be competitive in most matches but will likely finish in the middle of the table, potentially challenging for a playoff spot if their untested players exceed expectations. The emergence of death specialists and greater batting depth would significantly improve their outlook.

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