SunRisers Hyderabad fans went into IPL 2025 expecting fireworks after last year’s run to the final. Instead, they got a season where the Orange Army never really found its spark. Sixth place on the table, a shaky start, and inconsistent performances left fans frustrated and management scratching their heads.
Mohammed Shami: The Veteran Who Looked a Shadow of Himself
When SRH plunked down big money on Mohammed Shami in the IPL 2025 auction, the idea was simple: bring in an experienced, respected name who could provide not only early rewards with the new ball but also contribute a sense of calm leadership to a largely untested and young bowling group. SRH theoretically could have made a very smart move. What they got was… something completely different.
Nine games, six wickets, and a double-digit economy rate — Shami’s 2025 campaign read more like a bowler out of rhythm than a seasoned match-winner. The numbers tell the story — no swing, no early breakthroughs, no control at the death. For a bowler once feared for his pace and accuracy, this was a season to forget. At 34, Shami’s best IPL days seem behind him, and keeping him around on a hefty contract makes little sense.
Wiaan Mulder: A Misfit in the T20 Puzzle
South African all-rounder Wiaan Mulder came in as a replacement signing, but he barely got a look-in — just one game in the entire season. And even in that lone appearance, he didn’t exactly scream “must-keep player.” There was no standout innings with the bat, no game-changing spell with the ball — nothing that made fans or team management sit up and take notice.
Here’s the thing: Mulder has shown promise in Tests and ODIs, steadily building his reputation as a reliable cricketer in longer formats. But the IPL demands a very specific skill set where every player needs to justify his spot in a star-studded XI. You either bowl with bite, hit the ball a long way, or — ideally — do both consistently under pressure. Mulder, sadly, just doesn’t bring the X-factor you need to survive the chaos of T20 cricket.
Rahul Chahar: The Spinner Who Lost His Way
There was a time when Rahul Chahar was billed as the future face of India’s T20 spin attack, wasn’t there? Yeah, feels like a long time ago now. For SRH in IPL 2025, Chahar played just one game all season — a telling sign of where he stands in the pecking order.
Bought for over ₹3 crore, he couldn’t even displace a rookie like Zeeshan Ansari, who impressed in patches despite some sloppy fielding around him. SRH can’t afford to hold on to expensive benchwarmers, especially when younger, cheaper, and possibly better options are available.
A fresh start in the auction pool might be best for Chahar, while SRH can use those funds to strengthen their spin department.
FAQs
1: Why did SRH underperform in IPL 2025?
SRH had a poor start to the season and lacked consistency across the batting and bowling departments.
2: Why is Rahul Chahar being considered for release?
He played just one match despite a high salary and was overshadowed by younger spinners like Zeeshan Ansari.
3: Was Shami able to bring back the firepower that once made him a feared pacer in IPL 2025?
No, his pace and ability to swing the ball were noticeably down throughout the season.
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