As IPL 2026 draws closer, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are gearing up for a refreshed squad shake‑up after a mixed 2025 campaign. With several players underwhelming and others displaying promise, SRH are set to make some bold moves before the auction. Let’s look at the possible Sunrisers Hyderabad IPL 2026 squad, retained and released players.
Sunrisers Hyderabad IPL 2026 Squad
SRH are aiming to build a balanced side by reinforcing the top order, finding explosive finishers, and shoring up bowling depth—areas that often faltered during the 2025 season.
Which players will be released by SRH ahead of IPL 2026?
Sunrisers Hyderabad are expected to release several big-name and underperforming players to free up both budget and overseas slots. Here’s the list of players likely to be released:
- Rahul Chahar – Deployed once and failed to make an impact; spin resources need reshaping .
- Adam Zampa – Used sparingly in 2 matches with minimal returns; likely to lose his overseas slot.
- Brydon Carse / Wiaan Mulder – English pace options who suffered due to injury and non-selection, making them prime release candidates.
- Sachin Baby – Little impact and limited opportunities suggest release is imminent.
Related
Punjab Kings IPL 2026 Squad
Royal Challengers Bengaluru IPL 2026 Squad
Delhi Capitals IPL 2026 Squad
Which players will be retained by SRH for IPL 2026?
SRH’s retained core is a mix of international talents and promising Indians:
Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan (wk), Heinrich Klaasen, Aniket Verma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Abhinav Manohar, Pat Cummins (c), Harshal Patel, Jaydev Unadkat, Eshan Malinga, Mohammed Shami, Harsh Dubey, Sachin Baby, Zeeshan Ansari, Simarjeet Singh, Kamindu Mendis, Atharva Taide, Wiaan Mulder, Rahul Chahar, Smaran Ravichandran
Key players from IPL 2025 campaign to build the team for the future
These four standouts are expected to anchor SRH in 2026:
- Pat Cummins (Captain & Fast Bowler) – Led SRH’s pace attack with 16 wickets and strong leadership throughout 2025.
- Heinrich Klaasen (Wicket-keeper/Batter) – Top survivor in the middle order with 487 runs at a consistent strike rate.
- Abhishek Sharma (All-rounder) – Continued his explosive form, including the fastest Indian IPL century and 439 runs total .
- Travis Head (Opener) – Anchored top order with 374 runs, providing SRH stability at the top .
SRH 2026 Playing XI
- Travis Head
- Abhishek Sharma
- Ishan Kishan
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Heinrich Klaasen (WK)
- Aniket Verma
- Pat Cummins (C)
- Harshal Patel
- Ehsan Malinga
- Mohammed Shami
- Zeeshan Ansari
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s strategy ahead of IPL 2026 centers on releasing inconsistent performers and overseas unused assets while reinforcing their core with trusted international stars and dynamic Indian players. With a strong top order, explosive finishers, and a diverse bowling arsenal, SRH will look to bounce back in the new season.
Related
Mumbai Indians IPL 2026 Squad
Chennai Super Kings IPL 2026 Squad
