Zeeshan Ansari is the only specialist spinner in SRH's optimal XII. The model assigns him 3 overs, all in the middle phase. That workload makes him structurally important even though his numbers are below average: a middle-overs economy of 9.5 sits 1.0 runs per over above the league average, and his middle-overs dot rate of 24% is well below the 33% average.

His Ecae of -0.81 means he concedes 0.81 more runs per over than expected for the phases he bowls in. That is a significant drag. His bowling WAR/M of 0.08 reflects a bowler who provides below-average returns but fills a role nobody else in the XI can.

Why He Plays Despite the Numbers

SRH's squad construction forces this selection. Without Ansari, the bowling attack is all pace: Unadkat, Mavi, Harshal Patel, Eshan Malinga, and part-time overs from Livingstone and Abhishek Sharma. Livingstone provides spin but is primarily a batting selection. Ansari gives Ishan Kishan a dedicated spinner for the middle overs, which is essential on turning pitches in Hyderabad.

His bowling role fit of 0.38 is the lowest among SRH's XI bowlers. The model selects him despite the weak fit because the alternative, playing without a specialist spinner, is worse for overall team balance.

Career Context

Ansari has just 9 career T20 matches and 185 bowling deliveries. His IPL confidence of 0.48 is low, meaning there is substantial uncertainty in both directions. The numbers could improve dramatically with experience, or they could reflect a bowler who is not yet IPL-caliber.

His bowling surplus of -27 runs above replacement is negative. He has conceded 27 more runs than a replacement-level bowler would have across his career. The regressed WAR/M of 0.14 is pulled significantly toward the league mean because of the small sample, which is why his projected number looks more respectable than his raw performance suggests.

He has 0 career batting balls, confirming he is a pure bowling selection with no lower-order batting value.

What This Means for IPL 2026

Ansari's role is structural rather than performance-driven. SRH need a spinner, and he is the best option available in the squad. If his middle-overs economy improves toward the 8.5 league average, his value rises substantially. If the 9.5 economy persists, SRH may look to bring in Kamindu Mendis for the overseas spinner role or find a domestic alternative.

His xImpact of 42 suggests the model sees potential beyond the raw numbers. For a spinner with fewer than 200 career deliveries, there is room for growth.