Sunrisers Hyderabad's Retention Plan For IPL 2025 Auction Revealed

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) narrowly missed securing their second Indian Premier League title, falling to Kolkata Knight Riders by eight wickets in the IPL 2024 final at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday, May 26.

After three seasons of not making the top four, SRH, led by Pat Cummins, qualified for the playoffs in 2024 as the second-placed team. Despite reaching the final, they could not end their eight-year wait for a trophy.

SRH had a strong season, losing only Wanindu Hasaranga before it began. The team played fearlessly throughout, posting the highest total in IPL history. Their batting during powerplays was exceptional, although their bowling performance varied.

Like KKR, SRH aims to continue with the same squad next season. However, they may need to rebuild due to the 2025 mega auction, which will limit the number of players each team can retain.

Before the 2022 IPL Mega Auction, SRH retained Kane Williamson, Abdul Samad, and Umran Malik. Williamson was released two seasons ago, and Samad and Malik have since fallen down the pecking order.

With several new players emerging this season, SRH will want to retain most of them for future seasons. However, they may be disappointed with the limited number of retentions allowed.

Reports suggest teams will be allowed only four retentions like previous mega auctions. Franchise owners have requested up to eight retentions from the BCCI, but no official confirmation has been made.

If only four players are allowed to be retained, SRH will face a significant challenge in deciding who to keep and who to release ahead of the next auction.

SRH has several players they would like to retain but will be forced to release many ahead of the IPL 2025 Mega Auction. This auction could take place between December 2024 and February 2025.

Abhishek Sharma is likely to be SRH's first pick for retention. However, choosing among Pat Cummins, Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen, Nitish Reddy, T Natarajan, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar will be challenging.

Heinrich Klaasen has been consistent in T20 formats and is likely to be retained alongside Travis Head. The final retention spot will be a tough decision for SRH.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Shahbaz Ahmed, Umran Malik, Abdul Samad, and other stars may be considered during the auction. Cummins, Nitish Reddy, and T Natarajan are options for the final retention spot. Nitish Reddy is likely to be chosen due to his homegrown status.

Shahbaz Ahmed and Bhuvneshwar Kumar will be considered for Right To Match (RTM) options. Some players' time with SRH may come to an end.

SRH hopes for expanded retention slots but won't be too disappointed if it doesn't happen. They could potentially acquire Cummins at a lower fee during the mega auction. If only four retentions and one RTM are allowed, here is SRH's possible retention list:

SRH Retention List 2025

• Heinrich Klaasen - retained
• Abhishek Sharma - retained
• Travis Head - retained
• Nitish Reddy - retained/RTM
• T Natarajan - retained/RTM