Will Pat Cummins Drop Out-Of-Form Abhishek Sharma? SRH's Probable XI vs KKR

Debashis Sarangi

Abhishek Sharma has failed to fire in IPL 2025 [Source: AP]Abhishek Sharma has failed to fire in IPL 2025 [Source: AP]

On Thursday, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) will cross swords against Kolkata Knight Riders in the 15th group-stage match of the ongoing Indian Premier League season. The much-awaited encounter will take place at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. 

Led by Pat Cummins, SRH had a dream start to the campaign, securing a comfortable win over Rajasthan Royals in their first match. However, they failed to sustain the momentum, with DC and LSG handing them two back-to-back defeats. 

So, as they seek a change in their fortune, let's see what could be their playing XI for the upcoming match against the Knight Riders. 

Will SRH Make Abhishek Sit Out vs KKR?

Criterion
Data
Innings3
Runs31
Average10.33
SR172.22

(Abhishek Sharma in IPL 2025 so far)

Swashbuckling batter Abhishek Sharma has been far from his best in the IPL this season. The southpaw has registered three consecutive batting failures, letting his team down in the competition. 

Abhishek, who played a quick-fire 24-run cameo against RR, managed only seven runs at a strike rate of 100 in the subsequent encounters. However, overall, he has been a prolific performer for the Sunrisers franchise. 

In 61 innings for SRH, Abhishek has hammered 1345 runs, including seven half-centuries, at a blistering strike rate of 154.24. He forms an explosive opening pair with Travis Head and it will be a huge surprise if SRH doesn't give him a longer rope in the IPL this season. 

Ansari's Success To Shut The Door For Zampa; Shami's Place Under Threat?

In their last game against Delhi Capitals, SRH used Wiaan Mulder as their impact substitute, as they suffered a batting collapse. Mulder's inclusion meant they couldn't bring Adam Zampa in the second innings, with Zeeshan Ansari leading their spin department. 

However, contrary to expectations, Ansari performed admirably in the game, scalping three crucial wickets in his four-over spell. 

So, considering his bowling exploits, SRH might decide to persist with Ansari for this game. In such a scenario, Adam Zampa might have to wait for his chances in the tournament. 

Meanwhile, veteran speedster Mohammed Shami has earned a lot of flak for his poor returns in the IPL 2025. The experienced seamer has bagged only two wickets at a miserable average of 50.50 and a strike rate of 27 while conceding runs at an economy of 11.22. 

However, considering his reputation and whopping price tag of INR 10 Crores, the Orange Army will likely give him a few more chances to showcase his mettle. 

Mulder To Make Room For Extra Pacer?

SRH used South African all-rounder Wiaan Mulder as their impact player in the last game. However, Mulder's middling returns and an underwhelming performance from their fast bowling unit might force them to include a specialist seamer in their playing XI vs KKR. In such a scenario, Eshan Malinga could receive his debut SRH cap. 

SRH's Probable Playing XI vs KKR

Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan, Nitish Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen (WK), Aniket Verma, Abhinav Manohar, Pat Cummins (C), Zeeshan Ansari, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Shami
Impact player: Eshan Malinga