In a late-season development, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have roped in Harsh Dubey as a replacement for the injured Smaran Ravichandran for the remainder of the IPL 2025 campaign. The announcement was made ahead of SRH’s crucial fixture against Delhi Capitals, scheduled for Monday, May 5, at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
The replacement was approved by the IPL governing council, with Dubey being signed for a base price of Rs 30 lakh. The 24-year-old Vidarbha all-rounder is expected to add depth to both SRH’s spin bowling options and their lower-middle-order batting lineup.
A Promising All-Rounder From Vidarbha
Harsh Dubey is no stranger to India’s domestic cricket scene. Representing Vidarbha across formats, he has built a reputation as a reliable left-arm orthodox spinner who can also contribute handy runs with the bat. His domestic career includes:
- 16 T20 matches
- 20 List A matches
- 18 First-Class games
Across these formats, Dubey has picked up a total of 127 wickets, showcasing his effectiveness with the ball in all conditions. Additionally, his tally of 941 runs with the bat demonstrates his value as a lower-order contributor who can swing matches with quick cameos.
In the T20 format, Dubey’s ability to contain runs in the middle overs while picking up crucial wickets has made him a sought-after player in the domestic T20 circuit. His economy rate has consistently hovered around the mid-sevens, and his knack for breaking partnerships could prove vital for SRH, who have struggled to control opposition scoring during middle phases.
Injury Blow for Smaran Ravichandran
Smaran Ravichandran, a promising young player who had shown glimpses of brilliance earlier this season, has been ruled out due to a nagging injury sustained during a practice session last week. The nature of the injury hasn’t been fully disclosed, but sources close to the franchise have indicated it involves a soft tissue concern that requires extended rest and rehabilitation.
This injury has come as a blow to both the player and the team, with Ravichandran seen as one of the bright young talents in the SRH camp. While he was not a regular fixture in the starting XI, his presence in the squad provided important balance and flexibility.
SRH’s Struggling Campaign in IPL 2025
Sunrisers Hyderabad have had a difficult season so far. After 10 matches, they sit at ninth position on the points table with just six points, having secured only three wins and enduring seven defeats. Their next match against Delhi Capitals is a must-win encounter. A loss would all but eliminate them from the playoff race, making their remaining fixtures about pride and experimentation.
With playoff hopes hanging by a thread, SRH will be looking for new energy and consistency in both departments. Harsh Dubey’s arrival may offer the team some tactical options, especially on spin-friendly surfaces where his left-arm spin can be exploited.
What Harsh Dubey Brings to SRH
Dubey’s inclusion is not just a stop-gap replacement but potentially a fresh opportunity for the franchise to evaluate future squad options. His:
- Tactical bowling variety (left-arm orthodox)
- All-round credentials
- Experience in pressure situations in domestic cricket
make him a low-risk, high-upside addition.
It remains to be seen whether he’ll be included directly in the playing XI against Delhi Capitals, but given SRH’s dire situation, the team might look to shake things up and give new faces like Dubey an opportunity to shine.
Looking Ahead
For Harsh Dubey, this call-up to the IPL represents a major milestone and an opportunity to stake his claim in the country’s most prestigious T20 tournament. For SRH, it’s a chance to inject fresh energy into a faltering campaign.
With three league games left, SRH’s path is narrow, but with players like Dubey eager to prove themselves, fans can still hope for a spirited finish to what has otherwise been a challenging season.
