IPL 2025: Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) Confirmed Right To Match (RTM) and Retained Players List

As the IPL 2025 mega auction draws near, the spotlight turns to retention and Right to Match (RTM) rules, which are already shaping the strategies of all ten franchises. Each team is meticulously analyzing its squad dynamics to finalize retentions and releases. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially unveiled the blueprint for the auction, outlining the retention guidelines. Notably, each team can retain a total of six players—four through direct retention and two via RTM cards.

These financial considerations will heavily influence the retention strategies of every franchise, including Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), as they look to build a competitive squad for the upcoming season.

Sunrisers Hyderabad IPL squad

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) had a remarkable run in IPL 2024, finishing as the runners-up after a fiercely contested season. Under the leadership of the Aussie stalwart Pat Cummins, the franchise showcased their potential with a balanced squad comprising power hitters, experienced all-rounders, and a strong bowling attack. Here is the current IPL squad of SRH:

List of players Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are likely to retain ahead of IPL 2025 Mega Auction

Considering their current squad dynamics and the forthcoming auction, SRH are likely to adopt a cautious approach to player retention. The team management is unlikely to utilize all their retention spots, as doing so would significantly reduce their available auction purse, leaving them less flexibility to make crucial bids during the auction.

Instead, the franchise may prioritize a few key retentions, aiming to retain a core group of standout players while leaving room to rebuild the rest of the squad from scratch. This strategy would allow SRH to enter the auction with a solid foundation and ample financial resources to engage in the highly competitive bidding war.

1. Pat Cummins

Pat Cummins, who was brought by SRH for a staggering INR 20.50 crore in the IPL 2024 auction, proved to be a game-changer for the franchise. After a disappointing IPL 2023 season where SRH finished at the bottom of the table, the Aussie all-rounder’s exceptional leadership turned the team’s fortunes around. Under his captaincy, SRH made a remarkable comeback, reaching the finals of IPL 2024.

Though they fell short in the summit clash, losing to Kolkata Knight Riders, Cummins’ influence on the team was undeniable. His tactical acumen, combined with his all-round capabilities, was instrumental in revitalizing the Hyderabad-based side. Given his pivotal role in SRH’s resurgence, retaining the 31-year-old will be a top priority for the franchise as they look to build a winning team for the upcoming IPL season.

2. Travis Head

Travis Head, another key signing by the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the previous season, proved his worth with a series of explosive batting performances that lit up IPL 2024. The left-handed batter’s dynamic stroke play and ability to anchor innings or accelerate when needed made him an invaluable asset to the SRH lineup.

The 30-year-old’s consistent form and match-winning contributions solidified his place as a cornerstone of the team’s batting unit. With his undeniable talent and impact on the field, it seems highly unlikely that the franchise will release him ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. Retaining Head would ensure that SRH maintains a potent batting force as they look to build on last season’s success.

3. Abhishek Sharma

Abhishek Sharma has firmly established himself as the backbone of Sunrisers Hyderabad’s batting lineup. Forming a formidable opening partnership with Head, the talented left-handed Indian batter, a pivotal role in SRH’s success last season. Their dynamic duo became one of the most reliable and feared opening pairs in the IPL, consistently delivering far better results than expected.

Given the chemistry and effectiveness of this pairing at the top, the SRH management will be keen to retain the 24-year-old and ensure that this successful combination remains intact as they gear up for IPL 2025. His retention would be crucial in maintaining the balance and strength of SRH’s batting order.

4. Heinrich Klaasen

When it comes to explosive power-hitting, few batters in the world can match the standards set by Heinrich Klaasen. The South African wicketkeeper-batter has the rare ability to single-handedly change the course of a game with his sheer dominance at the crease, a quality he displayed time and again during IPL 2024. His performance was instrumental in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s deep run to the finals, often stepping up in crucial moments with his aggressive and match-winning knocks.

Given his game-changing capabilities and his pivotal role in SRH’s success last season, the franchise will be keen to retain the 33-year-old as they aim to build a title-winning squad for IPL 2025. Letting him go would undoubtedly be a mistake.

Also READ: IPL 2025 Rajasthan Royals (RR) Confirmed Right To Match (RTM) and Retained Players List

5. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (RTM)

Sunrisers Hyderabad are likely to utilize the Right to Match (RTM) card to bring back Bhuvneshwar Kumar, one of the stalwarts of Indian cricket. As an experienced pacer with an exceptional understanding of Indian pitches, his ability to swing the ball both ways makes him an invaluable asset, particularly in the subcontinental conditions.

The U.P.-based cricketer’s leadership experience, having captained SRH in the past, adds another layer of value to his retention. With his wealth of experience and proven track record, retaining Bhuvneshwar through the RTM option would provide SRH with both stability and a game-changing bowling option in their arsenal for the upcoming season.

FAQ

How many players can be retained in IPL 2025?

The BCCI’s announcement made that a team can retain a maximum of six players. A maximum of four players will be retained and two using the Right To Match card.

Who will lead Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2025?

Pat Cummins will likely be retained and will lead Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2025.

Who will SRH retain in IPL 2025?

Sunrisers will retain Pat Cummins, Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, and Heinrich Klaasen ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction.

How many RTM cards are in IPL 2025?

The latest IPL rules indicate that an IPL franchise can only keep a maximum of six players, either directly or through RTM cards. If they keep four players, they can use two RTM cards, while releasing two players allows them to use four RTM cards at the IPL 2025 super auction.

When will the IPL 2025 mega auction be held?

The IPL 2025 mega auction will take place between December 2024 and January 2025.

Also READ: IPL 2025 Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Confirmed Right To Match (RTM) and Retained Players List