As the IPL 2025 season looms, teams are finalizing their strategies, including squad selection and player roles. For Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), the task is to balance a squad filled with talent and promise. However, not every player on the roster will necessarily get a chance to showcase their skills on the field. Here, we delve into the stories of three SRH players who, despite their potential or experience, might not play a single match in Indian Premier League 2025.
Atharva Taide
Atharva Taide, a young and dynamic batsman, was released by Punjab Kings (PBKS) before being picked up by Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2025 auction for a modest 30 lakhs. With PBKS, Taide had shown glimpses of his capability, scoring 247 runs in 9 matches with a decent average of 27 and a strike rate of 147. However, his journey with Sunrisers Hyderabad might not translate into game time. Sunrisers Hyderabad has a robust opening and middle order, with players like Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma likely taking precedence in the batting line-up for Indian Premier League 2025. Taide’s role in the team might be reduced to that of a backup or an impact player, where his opportunities to play could be very limited unless there are injuries or drastic form dips among the first-choice players.
Zeeshan Ansari
Zeeshan Ansari joins Sunrisers Hyderabad with a lot of potential but no T20 cricket experience under his belt. The young bowler faces stiff competition for a spot in the XI due to the presence of seasoned spinners like Rahul Chahar and international talent Adam Zampa. SRH’s strategy for Indian Premier League 2025 seems to lean heavily on proven performers, especially in the bowling department where the team has invested in known quantities. For Ansari to make the cut, he would need an extraordinary pre-season or for the team to suffer multiple injuries in the spin department. His journey might be more about learning and development in the background, possibly through practice matches or the IPL’s domestic feeder tournaments, rather than playing in the main event.
Jaydev Unadkat
Jaydev Unadkat, a veteran in the IPL circuit, has represented eight different teams throughout his career, showcasing his adaptability but also highlighting a lack of consistent backing from any franchise. In 2024, Unadkat managed to secure 8 wickets in 11 matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad, but his economy rate of 10.23 was not particularly impressive. Heading into IPL 2025, SRH’s pace bowling unit is already crowded with potential match-winners like Mohammed Shami and Harshal Patel. Unadkat’s experience is invaluable, but in the high-stakes environment of IPL, teams often lean towards bowlers who can offer both wickets and control over the run rate. Unless there’s a significant shift in his performance or an unexpected scenario where the team desperately needs depth in the bowling department, Unadkat might find himself warming the bench more often than not.
The Broader Picture for SRH in IPL 2025
For Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2025, team management faces the challenge of balancing between giving opportunities to new talents and relying on the experience they’ve invested in. The strategy seems clear – prioritize those who can deliver immediate impact. This approach, while pragmatic, means players like Taide, Ansari, and Unadkat might not get the chance to prove their worth on the field unless circumstances change.
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The IPL is known for its fast-paced cricket, where every match can change the course of a player’s career. For Sunrisers Hyderabad, the focus in IPL 2025 will be on leveraging their key players to reclaim their spot at the top. However, this focus might lead to the sidelining of players like Atharva Taide, Zeeshan Ansari, and Jaydev Unadkat. Their journey with Sunrisers Hyderabad could be one of waiting for the right moment or looking towards future seasons for opportunities. While they might not feature in matches, their presence in the squad still adds depth and could be crucial in scenarios like injuries or underperformance of first-choice players. The IPL 2025 season will certainly be one to watch for Sunrisers Hyderabad, not just for the cricket on display but for the narratives of those who might silently hope for their moment in the sun.
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