After a rollercoaster ride in IPL 2024 where Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) finished as runners-up, their 2025 season turned into a major setback. Led by Pat Cummins, SRH slipped to 6th place and struggled with inconsistency in both batting and bowling. Their middle-order collapses and expensive death bowling cost them several close matches. Heading into IPL 2026, the franchise has made it clear that Pat Cummins will continue to lead SRH as captain, with full backing from management.
As the IPL 2026 auction approaches, SRH have entered a full rebuilding phase — focusing on grooming young Indian talent, cutting high-salary players, and making bold decisions, including the major move of trading Mohammed Shami to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
SRH Retention Strategy: Youth + Stability + Power
SRH have now officially confirmed a strong and well-balanced retention list for IPL 2026. The franchise has kept its explosive top-order, retained its world-class wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen, and backed young Indian talent. Meanwhile, several high-cost and underperforming names have been released, including Shami (traded), Rahul Chahar, Zampa, and others. With a refreshed core and clarity in leadership under Cummins, SRH are preparing for a more stable and aggressive 2026 campaign.
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SRH Retained Players List for IPL 2026 (Official & Updated)
| Player Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Pat Cummins (Captain) | Bowler |
| Travis Head | Batter |
| Abhishek Sharma | All-Rounder |
| Ishan Kishan | WK-Batter |
| Heinrich Klaasen | WK-Batter |
| Nitish Kumar Reddy | All-Rounder |
| Aniket Verma | Batter |
| B Smaran | Batter |
| Eshan Malinga | Bowler |
| Zeeshan Ansari | Bowler |
| Harsh Dubey | All-Rounder |
| Kamindu Mendis | All-Rounder |
| Harshal Patel | Bowler |
| Brydon Carse | Bowler |
| Jaydev Unadkat | Bowler |
Why These Players Stay:
- Pat Cummins continues as leader and the core of SRH’s bowling attack.
- Travis Head + Abhishek Sharma remain one of the most destructive opening pairs.
- Klaasen stays as SRH’s most reliable finisher and match-winner.
- Ishan Kishan adds left-handed balance and wicketkeeping stability.
- Nitish Reddy, Aniket Verma, and Smaran strengthen the young Indian core.
- Kamindu Mendis and Harsh Dubey provide multi-skilled all-round depth.
- Unadkat, Carse, and Harshal Patel offer experience and variety in the pace attack.
SRH Released Players List for IPL 2026 (Official & Updated)
| Player Name | Role | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Abhinav Manohar | Batter | Released |
| Atharva Taide | Batter | Released |
| Sachin Baby | Batter | Released |
| Wiaan Mulder | All-Rounder | Released |
| Mohammed Shami | Bowler | TRADED to LSG |
| Smarjeet Singh | Bowler | Released |
| Rahul Chahar | Spinner | Released |
| Adam Zampa | Spinner | Released |
*Heinrich Klaasen is officially retained. Mohammed Shami has not been released; he has been traded to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). This gives SRH extra purse room for fresh auction targets.
Why SRH Released These Players
- Shami trade: Strategic decision to free purse + rebuild pace attack.
- Zampa & Chahar: Spin overhaul after poor 2025 impact.
- Abhinav, Sachin Baby, Taide: Limited opportunities and returns.
- Wiaan Mulder: Overseas slot optimisation.
Purse Freed Up After Releases & Trade
After official retentions and the Shami-to-LSG trade, SRH enter the IPL 2026 mini auction with a strong financial position — a remaining purse of ₹25.5 crore and 10 available slots (including 2 overseas slots). This places SRH among the financially strongest teams ahead of the auction.
What Next for SRH in IPL 2026?
- A power-hitter to support Klaasen in the middle order
- A new lead pacer to replace Shami
- A death-overs specialist
- Additional Indian all-rounders
- Backup wicketkeeper options
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Final Take: A New Dawn for SRH?
After an inconsistent IPL 2025 season, SRH have taken bold steps — retaining Klaasen, backing young Indian stars, restructuring their bowling attack, and freeing up a large purse. With Pat Cummins continuing as captain and a clear long-term strategy, SRH look ready for a powerful comeback in IPL 2026.
If they nail the auction, the Orange Army could once again rise as one of the most dangerous teams in the tournament.
