IPL 2026: Kavya Papa and SRH Set to Release Big Names Ahead of Mini Auction — Full Details Here
IPL 2026: Sunrisers Hyderabad, led by Kavya Maran, are set to release top names including Mohammed Shami, Rahul Chahar, and Heinrich Klaasen ahead of the mini-auction.
Kavya Maran-led SRH likely to make bold calls as big players face release before IPL 2026 mini-auction.
As the IPL 2026 mini-auction approaches, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are gearing up for a major squad reshuffle. Following a disappointing IPL 2025 season, where the team failed to qualify for the playoffs despite lofty “Why Not 300” expectations, the franchise led by Kavya Maran is now set to make bold decisions regarding player retention and releases.
🏏 SRH’s Retention and Release Plans
The IPL 2026 mini-auction is scheduled for the last week of December, and all franchises must submit their retention and release lists by November 15. According to early reports, SRH management is ready to part ways with several underperforming stars who didn’t deliver in IPL 2025.
❌ Players Likely to Be Released
The list of probable releases includes Abhinav Manohar, Rahul Chahar, Adam Zampa, and notably, Team India’s senior pacer Mohammed Shami.
- Mohammed Shami – Purchased for ₹10 crore, but took only 6 wickets in 9 matches with an economy rate of 11.23.
- Rahul Chahar – Bought for ₹3.2 crore, also struggled to make an impact.
- Adam Zampa – Acquired for ₹2.4 crore but missed most of the season due to injury.
- Abhinav Manohar – Scored just 61 runs in 8 matches at a strike rate of 12.20, disappointing fans and management alike.
💰 Klaasen’s Future in Doubt
Another big name reportedly on the chopping block is Heinrich Klaasen. The South African wicketkeeper-batter, who recently retired from international cricket, hasn’t been in top form. SRH might release him to free up ₹23 crore from their purse. Even if they decide to re-sign him during the auction for around ₹15 crore, the team would still save ₹8 crore to invest elsewhere.
🔥 Probable Players to Be Released
Mohammed Shami – ₹10 crore
Harshal Patel – ₹8 crore
Rahul Chahar – ₹3.2 crore
Adam Zampa – ₹2.4 crore
Zeeshan Ansari – ₹40 lakh
Abhinav Manohar – ₹3.2 crore
🧡 Likely Retained Players
Despite the underwhelming season, SRH are expected to retain several key performers who showed promise:
Pat Cummins – ₹18 crore
Travis Head – ₹14 crore
Abhishek Sharma – ₹14 crore
Nitish Kumar Reddy – ₹6 crore
Ishan Kishan – ₹11.25 crore
Simarjeet Singh – ₹1.5 crore
Atharva Taide – ₹30 lakh
Jaydev Unadkat – ₹1 crore
Kamindu Mendis – ₹75 lakh
Brydon Carse – ₹1 crore
Ishan Malinga – ₹1.2 crore
Sachin Baby – ₹30 lakh
🗓️ What’s Next for SRH?
As the retention deadline fast approaches, the SRH official list of retainers is awaited with bated breath by the fans. Following the IPL 2025 heartbreak, the management of the Orange Army is resolved to create a solid, more uniform team for IPL 2026.
