When you talk about iconic IPL franchises, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) always gets a mention. Known for their fighting spirit, iconic players, and loyal fan base, SRH has carved a special place in the heart of cricket lovers. But behind the orange jerseys and thunderous sixes is a calm, composed presence of Kavya Maran.
The Rise of SRH
SRH’s breakthrough came in 2016, when they clinched their maiden IPL title under the captaincy of David Warner. That season, the team proved that teamwork and strategy can outshine star-studded lineups. Post-2016, SRH maintained a strong presence, regularly reaching playoffs and always being a thorn in the side of top teams. Their bowling unit became their trademark, often defending modest totals with surgical precision.
Kavya Maran – The Woman Behind the Franchise
Fast forward to 2024, and SRH is under the sharp leadership of Pat Cummins. The Australian brings calm, tactical depth, and a strong rapport with players.
Kavya Maran, the daughter of media baron Kalanithi Maran, is more than just the SRH owner. She’s the emotional core of the franchise. Armed with business acumen from the family-run Sun Group, she transitioned into cricket ownership with grace. While many saw her as a silent figure in the stands, her quiet leadership has shaped SRH’s identity.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s praise
In an old interview, Bhuvi described her as supportive and emotionally involved without being intrusive. “Even when we don’t perform, she never questions us. She just supports,” he said. That’s gold in a pressure cooker environment like the IPL. She’s there in the wins. But more importantly, she’s there when the team falls. That’s true leadership.
Bhuvi shared, “She is the owner of the team and we understand that she has invested a lot in the team. Just like the players, the owner also gets mentally disturbed, but never has she directly or indirectly questioned a player or coach’s integrity. Even when we don’t perform, she always supports us and it feels good to be a part of the team.”
Kavya papa manchitanam 🧡 pic.twitter.com/4i3xcWfL9o
— SRH fan (@GappaCricket) April 12, 2025
IPL 2025 – A Season of Struggles
This season started with a spark, but things soon went south. Four straight losses knocked the wind out of the Orange Army. SRH’s top-order looked shaky, and even with experienced bowlers, the attack lacked bite at crucial stages.
One of the biggest concerns for SRH has been their batting inconsistency. While players like Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma have shown flashes of brilliance, the team has struggled to build solid partnerships. Abhishek Sharma’s record-breaking 141 off 55 balls in their win against PBKS was a standout performance, helping SRH chase down 246 runs, the second-highest successful chase in IPL history.
With SRH now sitting at eighth place in the standings, they need to build on their recent win and find consistency. Their upcoming matches will be crucial in determining whether they can turn their season around and push for a playoff spot.
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