Introduction
As IPL 2025 continues to spotlight new talent, Aniket Verma, the 23-year-old middle-order batter from Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), has emerged as one of the most exciting uncapped Indian batters of the tournament. With limited expectations and a low-profile auction entry, Verma’s aggressive strokeplay and maturity under pressure have turned him into a key asset for the Sunrisers.
Background and Rise to IPL
Hailing from Uttar Pradesh, Verma made a name for himself in domestic white-ball cricket, especially in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he impressed with his fearless finishing. Picked by SRH in the IPL 2025 auction at base price, he was seen as a backup option. However, thanks to inconsistent performances by seniors, Verma found himself promoted in the batting order—and he made it count.
Breakout Performance: 74 vs Delhi Capitals
Aniket Verma announced himself with a 74-run knock off 41 balls against Delhi Capitals, single-handedly reviving SRH from a top-order collapse. His innings featured:
- Clean strikes down the ground
- Quick running and pressure-building singles
- 4 sixes and 7 boundaries
- A composed approach even under scoreboard pressure
Despite SRH losing the match, Verma’s innings earned him wide acclaim and a permanent slot in the XI.
Playing Style and Strengths
Verma is a right-handed middle-order batter with the ability to:
- Switch gears quickly when required
- Target spinners with sweep and lofted drives
- Handle short-pitched pace with strong backfoot play
- Rotate strike effectively even in the middle overs
His finisher instincts and ability to bat with the lower order have filled a long-standing void in SRH’s batting plans.
Performance Snapshot
| Match | Opponent | Runs | Balls | Strike Rate | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DC | 74 | 41 | 180.48 | 7 | 4 |
| 2 | MI | 24 | 15 | 160.00 | 2 | 1 |
| 3 | GT | 29 | 21 | 138.09 | 3 | 1 |
Total Runs: 127 in 3 innings | Average: 42.33 | Strike Rate: 169.33
Reaction from Experts
- Tom Moody: “He reminds me of a young Ambati Rayudu—dynamic and composed.”
- VVS Laxman: “India needs middle-order batters like Aniket who can absorb pressure and then counter-attack.”
- Aakash Chopra: “He’s played only a few games but looks like a seasoned campaigner already.”
What’s Next?
With SRH battling for playoff qualification, Verma will be expected to maintain his consistency and continue playing the anchor-finisher hybrid role. If his form holds, a call-up to India A or Emerging Players camp is almost certain.
Conclusion
Aniket Verma’s rise is a reminder of the IPL’s power to transform quiet domestic players into national talking points overnight. With controlled aggression and tactical maturity, Verma has become a beacon of hope for SRH’s middle order and possibly a future contender for India’s white-ball squads.
