In a recent development ahead of the ongoing IPL 2025 season, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have signed Karnataka’s promising young batter Ravichandran Smaran as a replacement for injured Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa. The official announcement was made via an IPL media advisory on Monday, April 14.
Ravichandran Smaran, a 21-year-old left-handed batter, joins the SRH squad at his base price of INR 30 lakh. The youngster has impressed in the domestic circuit with consistent performances across formats. In seven first-class matches, Smaran has amassed over 500 runs at an impressive average of 64.50, including a double century against Punjab. His prowess is not limited to red-ball cricket; in List A games, he has scored 433 runs in 10 matches at an average of 72.16, which includes two centuries. In the shortest format, Smaran has featured in six T20 matches, scoring 170 runs at a brisk strike rate of 170.
The injury to Zampa comes as a setback for SRH’s bowling unit, but the addition of Smaran could provide a boost to their middle-order batting, especially as the franchise looks to solidify their playoff chances in the mid-season phase.
Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have also confirmed the signing of Mumbai batter Ayush Mhatre as a replacement for Ruturaj Gaikwad, who is sidelined due to injury. Cricbuzz had earlier reported on Mhatre’s inclusion, which has now been officially confirmed by the IPL authorities. Like Smaran, Mhatre has also been picked at his base price of INR 30 lakh.
The 2025 IPL season has already seen multiple injury concerns and mid-season replacements. As the tournament progresses, franchises are keen to bolster their squads with in-form domestic talent, ensuring depth and flexibility in both batting and bowling departments.
Both Smaran and Mhatre will be eager to make their IPL debuts and prove their mettle on the big stage. Their inclusion not only reflects the faith franchises are placing in domestic performers but also underlines the IPL’s role in nurturing emerging Indian cricket talent.
