Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), the IPL 2024 runners-up, have unveiled their list of retained and released players for the upcoming IPL 2025 season. The franchise, known for its strategic squad-building approach, has retained core players, with South African wicketkeeper-batsman Heinrich Klaasen topping the list at an unprecedented Rs 23 crore. This record-breaking retention positions Klaasen as the highest-paid retained player in IPL history.
Alongside Klaasen, SRH has retained Travis Head (Rs 14 crore), Australian pacer Pat Cummins (Rs 18 crore), and homegrown talents Abhishek Sharma and Nitish Kumar Reddy. These players represent a balanced mix of experience and skill, ensuring SRH remains a competitive force in the league.
In a surprising move, SRH released several prominent players, including former South African T20 captain Aiden Markram, experienced bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Washington Sundar. Following a challenging period from 2021 to 2023, SRH’s electrifying turnaround in 2024, marked by record-breaking scores and an aggressive play style, led them to the final, proving their capability to excel at the highest level.
With a purse of Rs 45 crore and one Right to Match (RTM) card remaining for the IPL 2025 mega auction, SRH is poised to add new firepower to its lineup. Building on last season’s success, the franchise aims to claim its second IPL title, having previously won in 2016 under David Warner.
Players Retained by Sunrisers Hyderabad for IPL 2025:
1. Heinrich Klaasen (Rs 23 crore)
2. Pat Cummins (Rs 18 crore)
3. Abhishek Sharma (Rs 14 crore)
4. Travis Head (Rs 14 crore)
5. Nitish Kumar Reddy (Rs 6 crore)