IPL 2025: 5 SRH players who were benched for majority of the season despite huge salaries

Despite moments of genius during the league season, Sunrisers Hyderabad had a wild ride in the 2025 Indian Premier League and did not make it to the playoffs. Given their significant auction spending, the team's inconsistency and inability to agree on a starting lineup frequently garnered criticism.

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Although SRH's campaign got off to a good start, it soon lost steam because important domestic and international players were not being used to their full potential. The repeated benching of some of their most costly recruits baffled many. The fact that these players missed most of the season despite having high prices begs the question of club planning.

Here are 5 SRH players who were benched for majority of the season despite huge salaries:

1. Eshan Malinga

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Eshan Malinga, who was selected at 1.2 crore rupees, participated in seven of SRH's fourteen games. He had an impact in the second half of the 2025 Indian Premier League by taking 13 wickets at an average of 18.30 and giving them up at an economy rate of 8.32.

Despite his occasional displays of wicket-taking prowess, the coaching staff chose more economical pace choices due to his inability to consistently contain runs under pressure, particularly during crucial phases.

2. Mohammed Shami

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Mohammed Shami cost SRH an enormous INR 10 Cr, yet he only played in nine games, took six wickets at a pitiful average of 56.17, and had an economy of 11.23. In the long run, Shami's lack of performance proved fatal for SRH.

He was rotated out in favor of bowlers who were in form because of his inability to make early breakthroughs and lack of penetration with the new ball. It was difficult to defend keeping him in the starting lineup every week due to his high cost and poor performance.

3. Rahul Chahar

Rahul Chahar, who was purchased by SRH for INR 3.2 Cr, has only made one appearance since the emphasis on inclusion was on other spinners with experience and control. Despite the expenditure, he had few opportunities throughout the middle-over phases. He only bowled one over, scoring nine runs.

Chahar became more of a bench option because SRH preferred a balanced pace quartet, even if he was a member of their team. Adam Zampa's skill and expertise were undermined when SRH selected Zeeshan Ansari over Rahul Chahar after he was declared out of the IPL due to injury. It was obvious that the team management did not trust him.

4. Abhinav Manohar

Abhinav Manohar, who was purchased by SRH for INR 3.2 Cr, played in eight games.  With a top score of 43 and a modest 61 runs, he made no contributions with the ball. He was picked for his big-hitting abilities, and he failed to do so in crunch moments for SRH.

He didn't get many opportunities because of his poor returns in a batting-heavy team. His finishing skills didn't appear to convince SRH's decision-makers, who preferred other lower-order striking alternatives that provided depth and regularity.

5. Simarjeet Singh

Even though Simarjeet Singh cost SRH INR 1.5 Cr, he played only 4 games in IPL 2025. During the campaign, he spent most of his time on the bench. He bowled 10 overs in 4 games and picked 2 wickets at an economy of 14.10.

He wasn't taken into consideration even when SRH looked for new pace resources, indicating that the team didn't think he was prepared for the jump. Investment failed to provide opportunity, demonstrating a glaring misalignment between tactical trust and auction strategy.

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