IPL: 3 Changes SRH Needs to Make to Win IPL 2026

Sunrisers Hyderabad played an ultra-aggressive brand of cricket in IPL 2024 and finished as runners-up. Expectations were high going into the 2025 season, with many fans even hoping they would become the first IPL team to score 300+ in an innings. 

However, nothing went as expected. SRH failed to qualify for the playoffs, finishing sixth with 13 points from 14 games and a net run rate of -0.241. 

For most of the season, SRH hovered near the bottom three of the table, but three consecutive wins at the end helped them finish in the middle of the pack. To bounce back stronger in IPL 2026, SRH must implement a few crucial changes.

Here are the three changes SRH needs to make to win IPL 2026:

Rethink Their One-Dimensional Approach

In IPL 2024, SRH’s ultra-aggressive batting—regardless of pitch conditions—was their identity. Whether batting first or chasing, they looked to attack every ball, which helped them reach the final. However, this same approach didn’t yield success in 2025, especially on slower pitches where the ball didn’t come onto the bat as expected.

On such surfaces, spinners and pacers with variations like cutters were more effective. Even captain Pat Cummins acknowledged toward the end of the season that their strategy needed tweaking on slower wickets. Moving forward, SRH must adopt a more flexible approach, adapting their batting plan according to pitch conditions to ensure consistent performances.

Bring in IPL-Proven Backup Players

SRH have a solid core for their Playing XI, but depth remains an issue. Their current backup options—like Kamindu Mendis and Wiaan Mulder—are talented but untested in IPL conditions. When the main players struggled or got injured, the lack of reliable, proven replacements was evident.

To strengthen their bench, SRH must target players with prior IPL experience who can step in confidently when needed. Having IPL-proven backup options can make a significant difference in a long tournament like this.

Back Indian Spinners Like Harsh Dubey and Zeeshan Ansari

Wicket-taking spinners are a key asset in T20 cricket, and by the end of the 2025 season, SRH had found promise in two Indian spinners. Zeeshan Ansari picked up six wickets in 10 games, while Harsh Dubey claimed five wickets in just three matches.

If SRH continue to invest in and back these young Indian spinners, it could give them great flexibility. With dependable Indian spinners in the XI, they can use their overseas slots more freely—whether for batters, pacers, or all-rounders—based on match requirements.

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