Who Is the Owner of SRH? Meet the Power Behind the Team
Kaviya Maran has quietly become the face of Sunrisers Hyderabad, even though she isn’t a player. If you’ve ever watched an SRH match, chances are you’ve seen her in the stands — cheering, clapping, and sometimes looking super tense when the game gets tight. Her expressive reactions often go viral, making her a fan-favorite during the IPL season.
For those wondering who she is: Kaviya is the CEO of Sunrisers Hyderabad and is also the daughter of Kalanithi Maran, the media magnate behind Sun TV Network — one of India’s biggest television conglomerates. Sun TV Network owns SRH and operates a slew of TV channels and FM radio stations across the country.
While her father prefers to stay out of the public cricketing spotlight, Kaviya is usually front and center, supporting her team with unmatched energy. She’s also deeply involved in the team’s decision-making and management. Whether it’s matchday or the IPL auction table, Kaviya’s presence is more than just symbolic — she’s actively helping shape the team’s future.
Her genuine love for the game and passion for the franchise have made her a familiar — and much-loved — figure among cricket fans.
Kavya Maran’s Academic Roots & Business Mindset
Kavya Maran started her academic journey at Stella Maris College in Chennai, where she completed her undergraduate degree. Driven by a desire to understand global business dynamics, she went on to pursue an MBA at Warwick Business School in the UK—one of the top business schools in the world.
This blend of Indian grounding and international exposure gave her a sharp, strategic edge. Today, she’s channeling that knowledge into the Sun Group’s ventures, especially in media and sports. Whether it’s spotting smart investment opportunities or steering new projects, Kavya brings a fresh, focused approach that’s making a real mark. It’s no surprise she’s quickly emerging as one of the most influential young business minds in India.
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Sunrisers Hyderabad: A Look at Their On-Field Performance
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), a relatively new team in the IPL landscape, has carved out a remarkable niche for itself since its debut in 2013. They emerged as a successor to the Deccan Chargers, who were forced to exit the league due to financial struggles. In 2013, SRH won the rights to replace the Chargers, bidding a significant 12 million US dollars per year. Initially, they inked a five-year deal, and since then, they’ve made their mark on the tournament, steadily growing both in performance and fan base.
Known fondly as the “Orange Army” by their loyal supporters, SRH calls the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium their home. While they are the youngest team in the IPL, they’ve consistently impressed with their on-field performances, often exceeding expectations. Despite entering the IPL much later than many other teams, SRH has shown resilience and determination, making them one of the most consistent franchises in the history of the league.
Though they may not always be in the limelight or ranked among the top favorites, SRH has built a strong, dedicated fan base over the years. Their steady performances and determination have made them a formidable force in the competition.
Kavya Maran’s Role in IPL Auctions & SRH’s Strategic Approach
Kavya Maran has carved out a significant role in the world of IPL auctions and has become a key figure in shaping the strategies of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Her hands-on approach to managing player acquisitions has ensured that SRH remains a competitive force in the IPL, known for their dynamic and aggressive style of play. As the franchise moves toward IPL 2025, Kavya’s insights into building a robust squad continue to play a vital part in their success.
Beyond her influence in the IPL, Kavya has also made waves internationally. She led the Sun Group’s impressive acquisition of the Northern Superchargers for a whopping Rs 1,094 crore, marking her growing footprint in global cricket. This move further establishes her as a powerful figure in the sports industry, balancing both her love for cricket and her sharp business acumen.
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The Evolution of SRH in the IPL Over the Years
The Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) franchise has witnessed a fascinating evolution since its debut in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2013. In their first season, SRH made a strong impression by reaching the playoffs, signaling their potential. However, the next two years (2014 and 2015) were a bit of a setback, with the team finishing in sixth place.
But the real game-changer came in 2016, when SRH, led by the dynamic David Warner, clinched the IPL trophy. They triumphed over the heavily-favored Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in a thrilling final. This victory was historic in its own right, as SRH became the first team to win the IPL title after finishing outside the top two in the league stages, ever since the playoffs system was introduced in 2011.
In the following seasons, SRH continued to impress. In 2017, despite finishing third in the points table, they were eliminated in the Eliminator. The 2018 season was one of their most memorable as they made it to the final, but fell just short against Chennai Super Kings (CSK). They faced more heartbreak in 2019, losing in the Eliminator once again, and in the 2020 UAE season, they were ousted in the second Qualifier.
Fast forward to IPL 2021, SRH found themselves struggling like never before. Halfway through the season, they had only secured one win from their seven games, which came against Punjab Kings. It was a disappointing phase for the team, as they suffered consecutive losses on either side of their sole victory.
David Warner has been the face of SRH for years, becoming one of the IPL’s most consistent and fearsome batsmen since his arrival in 2014. Alongside him, stalwarts like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kane Williamson, and Rashid Khan have become key figures in the team’s journey. Currently, Kane Williamson holds the captaincy, continuing the legacy of strong leadership that Warner had established.
SRH’s journey has been one of highs and lows, but they’ve always managed to remain a formidable force in the IPL, known for their resilience and consistency on the field.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About SRH Team Owner
Q1. Who owns Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)?
Sunrisers Hyderabad is owned by the Sun TV Network, which is led by Kalanithi Maran. The media conglomerate also owns several TV channels and FM radio stations across India. While Kalanithi Maran stays behind the scenes, his daughter, Kaviya Maran, plays a prominent role in managing the team.
Q2. Who is Kaviya Maran?
Kaviya Maran is the CEO of Sunrisers Hyderabad and the daughter of Kalanithi Maran, the founder of Sun TV Network. Known for her energetic presence at SRH matches, Kaviya is deeply involved in the team’s operations and decisions, including player acquisitions and strategic planning during IPL auctions.
Q3. How did Kaviya Maran get involved with SRH?
Although Kaviya Maran has a strong background in business, she has always had a deep passion for cricket. Her active involvement with SRH began when her family took over the team, and she quickly became a key decision-maker. Her leadership has played a pivotal role in the franchise’s growth and success in the IPL.
Q4. What is Kaviya Maran’s educational background?
Kaviya Maran completed her undergraduate degree at Stella Maris College in Chennai. She further honed her business acumen by pursuing an MBA from the prestigious Warwick Business School in the UK, which helped her bring a strategic approach to managing SRH.
Q5. How has SRH performed in the IPL over the years?
SRH made an impressive debut in 2013, reaching the playoffs in their first season. The franchise’s breakthrough came in 2016 when they won the IPL title, defeating Royal Challengers Bangalore in the final. While the team has had ups and downs since then, they have consistently performed well, with multiple playoff appearances and a reputation for resilience.
Q6. Who are the key players of SRH?
Some of the most notable players in SRH’s history include David Warner, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rashid Khan, and Kane Williamson. These players have been instrumental in the team’s success, with Warner serving as the team’s long-time captain. Currently, Kane Williamson leads SRH.
Q7. What role does Kaviya Maran play in IPL auctions?
Kaviya Maran is actively involved in the IPL auction process, helping to shape SRH’s strategy for acquiring players. Her keen insights and hands-on approach ensure that the team remains competitive and well-prepared for each season.
Q8. Has Kaviya Maran made any major business moves?
Yes, Kaviya Maran played a key role in the Sun Group’s acquisition of the Northern Superchargers, a franchise in the Hundred cricket tournament, for a massive Rs 1,094 crore. This acquisition marked her growing influence in the global cricket scene.
Q9. How has SRH evolved since its inception?
Since its introduction in 2013, SRH has evolved from a new franchise to one of the most consistent teams in the IPL. They won the IPL title in 2016 and have had several memorable runs in subsequent seasons, despite occasional setbacks. The team is known for its strong bowling attack and strategic approach to the game.
Q10. How did SRH win the 2016 IPL title?
SRH won their first IPL title in 2016 under the leadership of David Warner. They triumphed over Royal Challengers Bangalore in a thrilling final, becoming the first team to win the IPL after finishing outside the top two in the league stages since the playoffs were introduced.
