Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) enjoyed a strong campaign in the Indian Premier League(IPL) 2026, finishing third in the league stage and securing a place in the playoffs.
However, their journey came to an abrupt end after a defeat to Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator. While SRH were competitive across most departments, there are still a few areas that require attention if they are to take the next step and challenge for the title in IPL 2027.
Here are three changes SRH should do ahead of IPL 2027:
Invest in experienced bowlers and finishers
SRH possess an exciting crop of young talent, particularly in their bowling attack. Players such as Praful Hinge, Sakib Hussain, Harsh Dubey, and Shivang Kumar showed promise throughout the season. However, the burden of leading the attack largely rested on captain Pat Cummins, especially during pressure situations.
Adding one or two experienced bowlers could significantly strengthen the squad. Veteran campaigners not only provide stability in crunch moments but also help in nurturing young talents. The same applies to the finishing department. While Aniket Verma, Salil Arora, and Smaran Ravichandran contributed in patches, SRH lacked a proven finisher capable of consistently closing out games. An experienced lower-order batter could provide the balance and composure needed in high-pressure chases.
Build a strong bowling core
Although SRH's bowling unit had quality, the depth in the department remains a concern. The team relied heavily on its first-choice attack, and the backup options did not always inspire confidence. Bowlers such as Harshal Patel, Jaydev Unadkat, Zeeshan Ansari, Dilshan Madushanka, and Gerald Coetzee were available, but the franchise still lacked a well-established bowling core with reliable backup options.
Successful IPL teams often build a bowling group that can deliver consistently over multiple seasons. SRH should focus on strengthening their reserves and creating healthy competition within the squad to ensure sustained success.
Add more right-handed balance to the batting line-up
One of SRH's biggest strengths is their explosive top order, featuring Travis Head, Ishan Kishan, and Abhishek Sharma. However, the presence of multiple left-handed batters at the top can sometimes make it easier for opposition teams to plan their bowling strategies.
Introducing a right-handed batter into the top order could improve balance and create more tactical challenges for opponents. With Nitish Kumar Reddy capable of slotting in at No. 4, SRH can look to add a right-handed batter higher up the order to maintain flexibility and improve match-ups. A more balanced batting unit could prove crucial in helping SRH turn playoff appearances into championship-winning campaigns.
