Since entering the Indian Premier League in 2013, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) has gone through several distinct phases. The franchise initially built its identity around disciplined bowling and defending modest totals before evolving into one of the league's most aggressive batting teams.
That evolution makes selecting an All-Time Sunrisers Hyderabad XI particularly challenging. The squad needs to account for the title-winning 2016 generation, the 2018 finalists and the modern players who have reshaped SRH's approach.
This XI considers individual statistics, sustained impact, major tournament contributions, leadership, role balance and the IPL's limit of four overseas players.
All-Time Sunrisers Hyderabad XI
1. David Warner — Captain
Role: Left-handed opening batter
Key SRH stats: 4,014 runs in 95 matches, 142.59 strike rate
Major achievement: Captain of the 2016 IPL title-winning team
David Warner is the standout figure in SRH's history. He led the franchise to its only IPL title in 2016 and produced 848 runs during that campaign.
Warner also won three Orange Caps while playing for SRH, in 2015, 2017 and 2019. His combination of consistency, aggression and leadership makes him the natural captain and opening batter for this all-time side.
2. Shikhar Dhawan
Role: Left-handed opening batter
Key SRH stats: 2,518 runs in 85 matches, 122.23 strike rate, 23 half-centuries
Shikhar Dhawan provides a contrasting style alongside Warner. His consistency at the top allowed Warner to attack from the other end, giving SRH a dependable opening combination.
He was an important part of SRH's 2016 title-winning campaign and also featured in the side that reached the 2018 final.
3. Kane Williamson
Role: Right-handed top-order batter
Key achievement: 2018 Orange Cap winner with 735 runs
Williamson brought control and composure to SRH's batting. When Warner was unavailable in 2018, Kane Williamson took over the captaincy and guided the team to the final while finishing as the season's Orange Cap winner.
His ability to absorb pressure, anchor an innings and accelerate when required makes him a natural No. 3 in this lineup.
4. Abhishek Sharma
Role: Left-handed all-rounder and explosive batter
Key profile: More than 1,300 SRH runs, 150+ strike rate, useful left-arm orthodox spin
Abhishek Sharma represents the more aggressive modern version of Sunrisers Hyderabad. His development from a lower-order option into a destructive batter gives the team another attacking dimension.
His left-arm orthodox spin also provides additional bowling flexibility, allowing the captain to use him according to matchups and conditions.
5. Heinrich Klaasen — Wicketkeeper
Role: Middle-order batter and wicketkeeper
Key profile: 1,000+ SRH runs, 170+ strike rate
Klaasen earns the wicketkeeper's position because of his impact in the middle and death overs. His ability to attack spin is particularly valuable in T20 cricket, where opposition teams often rely on spinners to control the middle phase.
He also gives this XI a genuine power hitter after the top order rather than relying entirely on the opening batters for acceleration.
6. Yuvraj Singh
Role: Left-handed middle-order all-rounder
Key SRH stats: 622 runs in 28 matches
Major contribution: 38 off 23 balls in the 2016 IPL final
Yuvraj Singh spent only two seasons with SRH, but his experience and big-match ability strengthen the middle order.
His contribution in the 2016 final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru provided valuable momentum, while his left-arm spin gives the XI another bowling option.
7. Sandeep Sharma
Role: Right-arm fast bowler
Sandeep Sharma has been one of the most dependable Indian swing bowlers in the IPL, known particularly for his ability to trouble batters with movement in the powerplay and his variations in the later overs. During his time with Sunrisers Hyderabad, he provided valuable experience and control to the pace attack, using seam movement and changes of pace effectively. His ability to contribute with both the new ball and during pressure situations makes him a strong candidate for consideration in an all-time SRH squad.
8. Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Role: Right-arm fast bowler, swing and death specialist
Key SRH stats: 157 wickets in 145 matches
Major achievement: Back-to-back Purple Caps in 2016 and 2017
Bhuvneshwar Kumar is the cornerstone of SRH's bowling history. His ability to move the new ball makes him dangerous in the Powerplay, while his yorkers give the team a reliable option at the death.
With 157 wickets, he is also SRH's all-time leading wicket-taker in the source selection, making his place in the XI difficult to overlook.
9. Rashid Khan
Role: Right-arm leg-spinner
Key SRH stats: 93 wickets in 76 matches, 6.33 economy rate
Rashid was one of the defining bowlers of SRH's strongest years. His ability to restrict scoring while taking wickets made him especially valuable during the middle overs.
His inclusion creates the same overseas-slot issue as Cummins. For the balanced XI, Rashid can be retained as the fourth overseas player, with Cummins serving as the alternative overseas selection.
10. T. Natarajan
Role: Left-arm fast bowler and death specialist
Key profile: 65+ wickets in 55+ matches
Natarajan added left-arm variation to SRH's pace attack and became particularly effective with his yorkers at the death.
His 2020 season in the UAE was an important part of SRH's run to the playoffs. Pairing him with Bhuvneshwar gives the team contrasting options late in the innings.
11. Siddharth Kaul
Role: Right-arm medium-fast bowler
Key SRH stats: 52 wickets in 43 matches
Kaul was an important wicket-taking bowler during SRH's strong 2017 and 2018 campaigns. His knuckleball and bouncer provided variation, particularly during the middle overs.
He complements Bhuvneshwar and Natarajan by giving the attack another seam-bowling option.
All-Time Sunrisers Hyderabad XI: Summary
Player | Primary Role | Country | Key SRH Contribution |
David Warner (C) | Opening batter | Australia | 2016 title, 3 Orange Caps |
Shikhar Dhawan | Opening batter | India | 2,518 SRH runs |
Kane Williamson | Top-order batter | New Zealand | 2018 Orange Cap, 735 runs |
Abhishek Sharma | All-rounder | India | Explosive batting, left-arm spin |
Heinrich Klaasen (WK) | Wicketkeeper-batter | South Africa | High-impact middle-order hitting |
Yuvraj Singh | All-rounder | India | 2016 final contribution |
Sandeep Sharma | Fast bowler | India | - |
Bhuvneshwar Kumar | Fast bowler | India | 157 wickets, 2 Purple Caps |
Rashid Khan* | Leg-spinner | Afghanistan | 93 wickets, 6.33 economy |
T. Natarajan | Left-arm pacer | India | Death-over specialist |
Siddharth Kaul | Fast bowler | India | 52 wickets |
Honorable Mentions
Several notable SRH players narrowly missed the XI.
Dale Steyn: Took 39 wickets for SRH between 2013 and 2015 and was a major figure during the franchise's early years. The overseas limit works against his selection.
Amit Mishra: Took 68 wickets for SRH and recorded a hat-trick in 2013.
Naman Ojha: Served as a key wicketkeeper from 2014 to 2017 and played an important role during the 2016 title campaign.
Travis Head: Produced explosive performances during SRH's 2024 campaign and is one of the more recent names to enter the franchise's all-time conversation.
FAQs
Who is the greatest player in Sunrisers Hyderabad history?
David Warner is the leading candidate in this selection because of his 4,014 SRH runs, three Orange Caps and role as captain of the 2016 title-winning side.
Who has taken the most wickets for SRH?
Bhuvneshwar Kumar is SRH's leading wicket-taker in the source selection, with 157 wickets. He also won consecutive Purple Caps in 2016 and 2017.
Why is Dale Steyn not in the XI?
The main restriction is the four-player overseas limit. With Warner, Williamson, Klaasen and Rashid or Cummins occupying those places, Steyn missed out despite his early impact for SRH.
How many IPL titles have Sunrisers Hyderabad won?
SRH have won one IPL title. They defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the 2016 final and also reached the finals in 2018 and 2024.
What is the highest individual score for SRH?
David Warner holds the highest individual score listed for an SRH batter, making 126 from 59 balls against Kolkata Knight Riders in 2017.
Also Read |
