SRH Signs Smaran Ravichandran as Zampa’s Replacement Amid IPL Injury Woes

HYDERABAD, India — Sunrisers Hyderabad announced Monday that they have signed Ravichandran Smaran as a replacement for Adam Zampa, who has been sidelined with an unspecified injury for the remainder of the IPL 2025 season.

The announcement from the franchise came shortly after Zampa’s injury was confirmed, leaving a gap in the bowling lineup. Smaran, a 21-year-old left-handed batter from Karnataka, joins the squad at a base price of INR 30 lakh, the IPL stated in a social media post.

Smaran brings an impressive track record with him, having scored over 500 runs in just seven first-class matches at an impressive average of 64.50, including a standout double century against Punjab. His List A performances also shine, with 433 runs in 10 matches at an average of 72.16, and a compelling strike rate of 170 across six T20 matches.

While primarily known as a top-to-middle-order batter, Smaran’s bowling capability adds depth to his skillset. Given SRH’s current position in the points table, a strong performance from Smaran could be crucial as they aim to improve their standings.

“The opportunity to play in the IPL is incredible, and I am fully committed to contributing to the team’s success,” Smaran said in an exclusive interview with News18 CricketNext. “Winning championships is a top priority for me, and I hope to bring more trophies to Karnataka and now to SRH.”

In related news, Chennai Super Kings have also made a significant move, selecting Ayush Mhatre as a replacement for injured skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, who is out due to an elbow fracture. Mhatre, another young talent, hails from Mumbai and joins CSK for the same price of INR 30 lakh.

Despite not having made his T20 debut yet, Mhatre has made waves in domestic cricket, scoring 962 runs across nine first-class and seven List A matches. Additionally, he recently participated in the U19 Asia Cup, accumulating 176 runs in three matches, enhancing his visibility to IPL franchises.

Both franchises find themselves in the lower half of the points table as the season progresses. With these signings, they are looking to inject fresh talent into their squads, hoping for a turnaround in form as the tournament unfolds.

As the IPL continues, all eyes will be on Smaran and Mhatre to see how these young players adapt to the pressures of top-level cricket.