Kavya Maran, the CEO and co-owner of Sunrisers Hyderabad, has become an unexpectedly familiar face to IPL fans, not only for her role in team management but also for her unmistakable on-camera reactions during matches that have often taken over the Internet as memes. In a candid interview, Kavya Maran acknowledged this unique fame, saying she completely understands how her visible passion and emotions for the team tend to go viral.
Daughter of media mogul and Sun Group chairman Kalanithi Maran, Kavya stepped into the spotlight more prominently during the 2023 IPL auction where she led SRH’s efforts with confidence and clarity. Since then, she has been a regular presence at the team’s games, her expressions during tense or celebratory moments frequently picked up by broadcasters and widely shared across social platforms.
Reflecting on the attention she receives, Kavya Maran explained that her reactions are unfiltered and genuine, shaped by the deep commitment she has toward the franchise. She shared that her role requires her to be front and center, even if unintentionally. Whether she is at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Hyderabad where her seat is predetermined or tucked away in a box at venues like Ahmedabad or Chennai, cameras manage to zero in on her every move.
While this often amuses her, she understands the meme culture surrounding it. For Kavya, this is simply a byproduct of pouring her heart into the team’s journey, something she feels very emotionally connected to. She described the bond as personal and intense, one that makes both the triumphs and setbacks of the team hit close to home.
Sunrisers Hyderabad have had a turbulent ride during her tenure. Though they won their only IPL title back in 2016, recent seasons under her stewardship have been a mix of highs and lows. In 2023, despite strong pre-season expectations, the team ended at the bottom of the table. The following year, in a stunning turnaround, they secured second place in the league stage and reached the final. But in the 2025 season, they struggled once again, finishing mid-table with six wins from 14 matches and bowing out of playoff contention early.
Beyond the IPL, Kavya Maran also oversees the operations of the Sunrisers Eastern Cape, a franchise in South Africa’s SA20 league. Under the leadership of Aiden Markram, that team has thrived, clinching the title in both 2023 and 2024, making them the most successful side in the competition so far.
Despite the fluctuating fortunes in the IPL, Kavya remains deeply invested in the Sunrisers brand, emotionally, professionally and visibly and this is what makes her a good leader.
