05 May, 2025 | 02:20 PM

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have roped in promising left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey as a replacement for the injured R Smaran, as their IPL 2025 campaign teeters on the brink of elimination. The 22-year-old Dubey joins the franchise for INR 30 lakh — his base price at the most recent IPL auction — at a time when SRH’s chances of reaching the playoffs remain purely mathematical.

Dubey, who represents Vidarbha in domestic cricket, shot to prominence during the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season, where he claimed a record-breaking 69 wickets. His tally edged past Ashutosh Aman's previous record of 68 wickets in the 2018–19 season, helping Vidarbha clinch the title and making Dubey one of the standout performers in red-ball cricket this year.

Despite his red-ball success, Dubey has had modest returns in limited-overs formats. He has picked up 21 wickets in 20 List A bowling innings at an average of 34.66 and has claimed nine wickets in 16 T20 innings with an economy of 6.78. However, his recent domestic performances have boosted his reputation and earned him a shot at the IPL.

He replaces fellow 22-year-old R Smaran, the Karnataka batter who had earlier come in as a replacement for Adam Zampa. Smaran, too, was forced out due to injury, adding to SRH's woes in a disappointing season.

SRH, who reached the final in IPL 2024, have failed to replicate last season’s form. With just three wins from ten matches, they sit ninth on the points table. Even if they win all their remaining four games, they will only reach 14 points — and their chances will still hinge on a series of favorable results from other teams. Making matters worse, their net run rate of -1.192 is the worst in the league, behind even the already-eliminated Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR).

Dubey’s addition brings some fresh energy to the squad, though the team’s focus may now be shifting toward rebuilding and giving opportunities to young talent as their campaign winds down.

SRH will next take on Delhi Capitals (DC) at home in Hyderabad on Monday evening.