Adam Zampa Ruled Out of IPL 2025 with SRH Due to Recurring Shoulder Injury

Australia’s legspinner Adam Zampa has been ruled out of the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 due to a recurrence of a previous shoulder injury.

Zampa, who was playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), featured in the team’s first two matches of the season as an Impact Substitute. In those high-scoring games, he recorded figures of 1 for 48 and 1 for 46.

Zampa’s absence became evident after he missed the following four matches. He later returned to Australia for medical evaluation after experiencing soreness in his bowling arm.

The shoulder issue he is currently facing is understood to be the same one he dealt with before the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he had successfully recovered and played a vital role in helping Australia win the tournament.

SRH’s Strategic Replacement: R Smaran

While there was initial optimism about Zampa’s return after rest, SRH decided not to risk his fitness any further and named R Smaran as his replacement.

The 21-year-old left-handed batter from Karnataka was brought into the squad at his base price of ₹30 lakh.

“Smaran Ravichandran has 7 First-Class games, 10 List A matches & 6 T20s and has over 1100 runs from these matches. The left-handed batter, who plays for Karnataka in Domestic Cricket, joins SRH for INR 30 Lakh,” read a media advisory from IPL.

Smaran is known for his consistent domestic performances. In the Ranji Trophy, he scored 516 runs in seven matches at an average of 64.50, including two centuries and a highest score of 203.

In List A cricket, he accumulated 433 runs across 10 matches at an impressive average of 72.16, with two centuries and two fifties.

His impactful century in the Vijay Hazare Trophy final against Vidarbha highlighted his talent. In T20s, he has 170 runs from six matches at a strike rate of 170.00 and one half-century.

Zampa’s Absence a Blow to SRH

Zampa has played a total of 22 IPL matches and claimed 31 wickets, with his best figures being 6 for 18. His experience and ability to break partnerships made him a valuable asset for SRH.

In the current season, he had delivered crucial breakthroughs in both matches he played before his injury forced him out.

While SRH hoped for his recovery, the shoulder injury resurfaced, leading to his departure from the tournament.

This setback could affect Australia’s preparations as well, with Zampa now expected to miss the upcoming T20I series against the West Indies in July.

SRH Back on Track After Staggering Chase

Sunrisers Hyderabad have struggled with form in the IPL 2025 season, despite being last season’s runners-up. After winning their opening match against Rajasthan Royals, the team experienced a series of disappointing defeats.

However, they recently bounced back in dramatic fashion with a stunning win against Punjab Kings (PBKS). Chasing a massive total of 246, SRH secured victory by eight wickets.

The hero of the match was Abhishek Sharma, who played a sensational knock of 141 off 55 balls, hitting 14 boundaries and 10 sixes.

Travis Head, who opened the innings alongside Abhishek, contributed 66 runs off 37 deliveries. The duo provided a powerful opening partnership of 171 runs.

Although SRH’s bowling unit had conceded a huge total earlier in the match, Harshal Patel’s four-wicket haul helped restrict PBKS in the death overs. He gave away 42 runs in four overs while picking up key wickets.

Road Ahead for SRH and Zampa

Zampa is unlikely to feature in any cricket until Australia’s T20I series against West Indies later in July.

He remains a central figure in Australia’s preparation for the T20 World Cup next year in India and Sri Lanka. With 19 T20Is scheduled for Australia between July and February, his recovery will be critical.

Meanwhile, SRH is set to face Mumbai Indians in Match 33 of the IPL 2025 at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.

As of now, SRH sits in the ninth position on the points table, while MI, having recently defeated Delhi Capitals, holds the seventh spot.

With R Smaran now in the squad and the top-order finding form, SRH will look to carry forward their momentum in the second half of the tournament.