Travis Head Out; Malinga To Replace Cummins? SRH's Plans If Australia Stars Miss IPL Playoffs

Cummins, Head to miss IPL playoffs? [Source: @HarshaTarak8/X.Com]

The IPL 2025 season is just around the corner and the buzz has already been created as ten strong teams will fight it out to win the coveted trophy. One of the favourites for the upcoming season is last year's runners up - Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). The team has been injected with an attacking instincts by captain Pat Cummins and they looks like a well-oiled machine.

However, the team could face potential selection issues if they do manage to reach the playoffs. As per reports, the Australian and the South African teams, the WTC finalists are likely to skip the IPL playoffs, in order to prepare for the mega event.

In that case, SRH's combination could be affected, and they could field a weaker team in the playoffs. If the Australian stars do miss the playoff matches, here is their probable XI.

No Travis Head, Kishan to open with Abhishek

Travis Head is one of the most important player in this SRH side. He gives them explosive starts and is known to taking the game away from the opposition in the blink of an eye. In his absence, the team could go in with Ishan Kishan as the opener alongside Abhishek.

Kishan has prior experience of opening for Mumbai Indians and will compliment Abhishek as the duo will form a deadly opening pair.

A weaker middle-order led by Klaasen

Heinrich Klaasen will lead the inexperienced SRH middle order as the South African is likely to bat at number 6, and can be used as a floater, depending on the match-situation. Atharva Taide is most likely to bat at number 3, followed by the young Indian superstar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, who made a name for himself in the last IPL.

Kamindu Mendis, the Sri Lankan star will play in his first IPL season and is likely to play in the middle-order as well. SRH had a steal deal in the auction when they purchased Abhinav Manohar. He is going to be their finisher at number 7.

Malinga replaces Cummins?

Harshal Patel and Mohammad Shami will be the two Indian pacers in the side and Adam Zampa will be the lone spinner. The Aussie has a tremendous T20 record and should be a guaranteed starter.

SRH will also get the jolt in the form of skipper Pat Cummins. The leader of the team will also miss the playoffs if the Australian board gives the order, and the team could sprung a surprise by playing Sri Lanka's Eshan Malinga in his place. Malinga has done well in Lanka Premier League and has a brilliant yorker which he could execute in the death overs.

SRH's probable XI for playoffs if Australian star misses out

Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Atharva Taide, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kamindu Mendis, Heinrich Klaasen (c), Abhinav Manohar, Harshal Patel, Adam Zampa, Mohammad Shami, Eshan Malinga

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