SRH IPL 2026 Retained & Released Players List: Full Squad, Auction Strategy & Key Updates

After a spectacular 2024 season that saw Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) finish as runners-up, fans had high hopes for 2025. However, the Orange Army couldn’t replicate their form and ended up 6th in the standings under skipper Pat Cummins. Both their batting and bowling units struggled for consistency — prompting management to rethink their strategy for IPL 2026.

As the next auction nears, SRH looks set for a bold reset, aiming to trim high-cost performers who didn’t deliver and make space for fresh match-winners.

SRH’s Retention Strategy for IPL 2026: Aggression with Adjustments

The franchise that once thrived on attacking cricket is now focused on rebalancing aggression with stability. SRH’s management is expected to retain its reliable performers while releasing some of the biggest names to rebuild a more dynamic and flexible squad.

Expect a blend of proven stars and promising young talents as SRH looks to reclaim its dominance in IPL 2026.

SRH Retained Players List for IPL 2026 (Expected)

Player Name Role

Pat Cummins (Captain) Bowler

Travis Head Batter

Abhishek Sharma All-Rounder

Heinrich Klaasen WK-Batter

Atharva Taide Batter

Wiaan Mulder All-Rounder

Zeeshan Ansari Bowler

Harsh Dubey All-Rounder

Kamindu Mendis All-Rounder

Simarjeet Singh Bowler

Nitish Reddy All-Rounder

Smaran Ravichandran Batter

Jaydev Unadkat Bowler

Eshan Malinga Bowler

Key Takeaways:

Travis Head & Abhishek Sharma continue as SRH’s explosive opening duo.

Heinrich Klaasen, despite a hefty salary, could stay due to the lack of reliable finishers.

Youngsters like Zeeshan Ansari and Harsh Dubey impressed in limited opportunities, earning retention nods.

SRH Released Players List for IPL 2026 (Expected)

Player Name Role Auction Price (₹ Cr)

Ishan Kishan WK-Batter 15.25

Mohammed Shami Bowler 10.00

Heinrich Klaasen* WK-Batter 23.00

Harshal Patel Bowler 8.00

Rahul Chahar Bowler 3.20

Abhinav Manohar Batter 3.20

*Klaasen’s future remains uncertain — SRH could release and re-sign him at a lower bid.

Why These Players Might Be Released

Ishan Kishan: Started the season strong but lacked consistency; his high price tag doesn’t help.

Mohammed Shami: Struggled with rhythm and conceded heavily in death overs.

Harshal Patel: Took 16 wickets but was too expensive and inconsistent.

Abhinav Manohar: Failed to deliver despite multiple chances, managing just 61 runs in 8 innings.

Rahul Chahar: Barely featured in the playing XI — clearly not in SRH’s plans.

Purse Freed Up: If all these releases happen, SRH could have nearly ₹63.85 crore available for the 2026 auction — giving them massive flexibility to chase premium talents.

SRH Auction Strategy for IPL 2026

With Pat Cummins’ leadership and a solid base of Head, Abhishek, and Nitish Reddy, SRH is likely to target:

A consistent Indian wicketkeeper-batter (to replace Kishan if needed)

Death-over specialists to tighten their bowling attack

A power-hitter or finisher to complement Klaasen or fill his shoes

Promising U-25 Indian pacers and all-rounders for long-term depth

Who Could SRH Target in the IPL 2026 Auction?

SRH’s scouts might have their eyes on:

Domestic talents like Vaibhav Arora and Shahrukh Khan

Overseas impact players such as Tim David or Marcus Stoinis

Rising spinners and uncapped stars from the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy or Ranji Trophy 2025–26

Final Verdict: A Fresh Chapter for the Orange Army

After a forgettable 2025, Sunrisers Hyderabad appears ready for a strategic rebuild. While big names like Ishan Kishan and Shami might make way, SRH’s core of young Indian talents and experienced internationals forms a strong foundation.

If the franchise executes its auction plan wisely, fans could once again see SRH roaring loud in IPL 2026 — ready to bring back the fire that made them one of the league’s most feared sides