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How Kavya Maran masterclass can help SRH win IPL title [Source: AFP]
The Sunrisers Hyderabad has a fearsome batting lineup, and for the last two seasons, they have broken all records in the IPL. The franchise boasts a plethora of power-hitters, with the likes of Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, and Heinrich Klaasen being at the centre of attraction. However, it seems that amongst all the big names in the squad, SRH has found a hidden gem.
Their newest recruit, Salil Arora, has set the stage on fire as the SRH batter tore apart the bowling attack in the intra-squad match before the IPL, and smacked 5 sixes in five balls to announce his arrival before the marquee event.
The 23-year-old is immensely talented, but there is one main problem: where can SRH fit him in the playing XI? Almost all the batting positions are sorted, but looking at Salil’s brute-hitting, the Kavya Maran-owned franchise must find a way to incorporate him, and here's how she can do it.
SRH's possible batting lineup for IPL 2026
Abhishek Sharma
Travis Head ✈️
Ishan Kishan
Number 4 position vacant
Heinrich Klaasen ✈️
Nitish Reddy
Aniket Verma/Liam Livingstone ✈️
- SRH’s top seven is relatively sorted, with the Orange Army having one of the best top three in the tournament. The destructive South African batter, Heinrich Klaasen, is likely to play as a floater, but most likely, he’ll bat at number 5.
- Rising star Nitish Reddy could play as a finisher, alongside one of Aniket Verma or Liam Livingstone. That leaves just one spot vacant, the number 4 slot.
- This is where SRH should look to play Salil Arora, as the batter can look to dominate the opposition bowlers.
What Salil Arora brings to the table for SRH
An aggressive mindset
In the intra-squad match, Salil Arora looked threatening with the bat as he looked comfortable against some of the best in the business, and tore apart the bowling with ease. He has a clear mindset- see the ball, and hit it, and that could work in the IPL.
Last season, there was no designated number 4 for SRH, but this time around, they have Salil Arora, who can be used at that same designation.
Excellent T20 numbers
In his short T20 career, the explosive batter has made a name for himself, and SRH should capitalize on him. In just nine T20 matches, the batter has racked up 359 runs, with the highest score of 125*. However, the interesting part- he has struck those runs at 197.25.
This is what SRH embodies- batters with an aggressive mindset, with the aim of scoring runs at a rapid rate.
Also Read: Abhishek Sharma Issues Travis Head Warning To RCB Before IPL 2026
Only one person can challenge Salil for number 4 spot
In the SRH squad, there is only one person who can challenge Salil for the number 4 spot, and that player is the highly talented Smaran Ravichandran. The batter was exceptional in the SMAT 2025-26 as he racked up runs for fun.
However, Salil brings an X-factor to the table and also has a higher strike rate as compared to Ravichandran (162.45).
Moreover, if needed, Salil can also be used as a finisher, with SRH promoting Klaasen at 4, and Nitish Reddy at 5. Hence, SRH should look to groom the talented player and accommodate him at number 4.
Conclusion
SRH have spotted a gem with Salil Arora in their ranks, and they should not waste his talent. Instead, the Orange Army should immediately include him in their playing XI, and make him bat at number 4, a position which was unaddressed last season.
The batter embodies what SRH is all about- aggression, scoring runs quickly, and keeping team ahead of personal milestone.
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