SRH's Auction Blunders: 5 Players Who Failed to Deliver in IPL 2025

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

Pat Cummins For SRH in IPL 2025 [Source: AP Photos]Pat Cummins For SRH in IPL 2025 [Source: AP Photos]

The Sunrisers Hyderabad were predicted by many as one of the playoff contenders before the start of the IPL 2025. However, a team full of power-hitters and match winners, the Sunrisers have disappointed in the tournament. With just three wins in 11 matches, they have become the third team to be eliminated from the tournament after the Chennai Super Kings and the Rajasthan Royals.

During the auction, the Sunrisers Hyderabad bought some high-profile players who have not delivered as per the expectations. So, here are five auction decisions that SRH might be regretting after the early elimination from the tournament.

5. Abhinav Manohar

Abhinav Manohar [Source: AP Photos]Abhinav Manohar [Source: AP Photos]

The Sunrisers Hyderabad spent ₹3.20 Cr for Abhinav Manohar. With Manohar in the side they would have expected him to provide solidity, dynamism and depth in the middle order of their batting. However Manohar managed only - 

  • 49 runs in 4 matches at a strike rate of 98.00
  • Batting average of merely 12.25 shows consistent failures
  • Unable to accelerate or finish innings effectively
  • Failed to provide stability in the middle order
  • Has not justified his selection over other domestic batting talents

4. Simarjeet Singh

Simarjeet Singh showed much promise as a new ball bowler in the Delhi Premier League. The Sunrisers acquired his services for ₹ 1.50 Cr during the IPL 2025 mega auction, with the hope that he will bring in variety and flexibility to the bowling line up. However, Simarjeet disappointed with - 

  • Only 2 wickets in 4 matches played
  • Catastrophic economy rate of 13.43, leaking runs at crucial stages
  • Woeful bowling average of 70.50
  • Has become a liability rather than an asset in the playing eleven

3. Adam Zampa

Adam Zampa is one of the premier spinners of the world when it comes to limited overs cricket. It made perfect sense when, SRH picked Zampa up in the auction for a price of ₹2.40 Cr. However, as the tournament progressed, in order to find overseas balance and the perfect team combination, they had to rest him. Besides, in the matches that he played, Zampa delivered very little.

  • Featured in just 2 matches, taking only 2 wickets
  • Economy rate of 11.28 is disastrous for a specialist spinner
  • Average of 47.00 runs per wicket is poor for a player of his caliber
  • Had been so ineffective that the team preferred other options
  • Despite being an overseas professional, his performance hasn't justified his price tag or the valuable foreign player slot

2. Mohammad Shami

Mohammad Shami for SRH in IPL 2025 [Source: AP Photos]Mohammad Shami for SRH in IPL 2025 [Source: AP Photos]

The buying of Mohammad Shami for ₹ 10 Cr made perfect sense on part of the SRH management. Being one of the premier Indian pacers, it was hoped that Shami's inclusion will add strength and lethality to the SRH bowling attack, which already had Pat Cummins. However it turned out the opposite as Shami has - 

  • Just 6 wickets in 9 matches despite being a frontline bowler
  • Alarming economy rate of 10.81 runs per over
  • Bowling average of 56.17
  • The third most expensive player in the SRH squad has delivered a meager return on investment

1. Ishan Kishan

With Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma already present in the batting line-up, the addition of Ishan Kishan for ₹ 11.25 Cr gave it a even more destructive appearance. It looked the same when he slammed a century in the first game, however, since then Ishan Kishan has been inconsistent and has not delivered as per expectations. 

  • Managed just 196 runs in 10 matches at a modest average of 24.50
  • Strike rate of 144.11 is below par for a premium T20 batter
  • Has failed to provide the explosive starts expected from him
  • The second most expensive player in the SRH squad hasn't justified his enormous price tag

These five players represent a combined investment of ₹28.35 crore with minimal returns, directly contributing to SRH's poor position on the points table.