SunRisers Hyderabad IPL 2026 Auction Strategy Explained: 5 Players SRH Can Target

SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) made a strategic move and set definite goals for the IPL 2026 auction after the last season ended with a sixth-place finish. Their batting not being up to the mark throughout the season made the captain Pat Cummins to later change his whole team strategy.

SRH played all-out attacking cricket but not every time in the conditions that were favorable to them, so, they decided to become more balanced in the middle of the season. This alteration brought some stability to the team and they won four of the six matches by the end of the season. However, their late upward trend did not help them as they were just outside the playoff spot.

When the franchise is back at the auction table, SRH seems to want just a little tuning of their team and not an overhaul, they will focus on the key gaps but still remain in the philosophy that has brought them success in recent years.

SRH IPL 2026 Auction: Why This Auction Matters

The latter half of last season showed that SRH can still execute their preferred style of cricket when the right balance is found. This suggests the team will avoid drastic changes and instead prioritise strengthening specific roles—particularly spin bowling, death-overs hitting and Indian pace depth.

Players Released by SunRisers Hyderabad

SRH adopted a measured release strategy ahead of the auction, parting ways with a few high-profile names and surplus options.

Released Players

• Fast bowlers: Mohammed Shami, Simarjeet Singh
• Spinners: Adam Zampa, Rahul Chahar
• All-rounders: Wiaan Mulder, Atharva Taide
• Batters: Abhinav Manohar, Sachin Baby

Notably, Shami was traded to Lucknow Super Giants in an all-cash deal, creating a major vacancy in the Indian fast-bowling department.

Players Retained by SRH

SunRisers Hyderabad have retained the core of their squad, signalling continuity in approach. The late-season promotion of Heinrich Klaasen to the top-middle order brought much-needed stability, even if it came too late to salvage the campaign.

SRH Retained Players

• Batters: Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, R Smaran
• Fast bowlers: Pat Cummins, Harshal Patel, Brydon Carse, Jaydev Unadkat, Eshan Malinga
• All-rounders: Aniket Verma, Nitish Reddy, Kamindu Mendis
• Wicketkeepers: Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen
• Spinners: Zeeshan Ansari (leg-spin), Harsh Dubey (off-spin)

SRH Auction Purse and Slots

Remaining purse: ₹25.50 crore

Slots available: 10 (including 2 overseas)

What Does SRH Need at the IPL 2026 Auction?

1. Quality Spin Options

SRH’s biggest concern remains the lack of a reliable match-winning leg spinner since Rashid Khan’s departure. Recent experiments have failed to deliver consistent results, making spin a top priority. With several proven options available, SRH may be willing to spend big.

2. Specialist Finisher

Another key requirement is a dependable finisher to complement Heinrich Klaasen in the death overs. SRH could opt for an experienced overseas batter or an Indian option who brings composure under pressure.

3. Indian Fast Bowler

With Mohammed Shami no longer in the squad, SRH need an Indian quick who can support Pat Cummins and Harshal Patel, especially on Indian surfaces.

Players SRH Can Target in IPL 2026 Auction

Spinners: Ravi Bishnoi, Wanindu Hasaranga, Adam Zampa, Dunith Wellalage

Finishers: David Miller, Sarfaraz Khan, Michael Bracewell

Fast Bowlers: Akash Deep, KM Asif, Matt Henry

Top 5 SRH Targets for IPL 2026

Ravi Bishnoi:

A proven Indian leg spinner with control and wicket-taking ability, Bishnoi fits SRH’s biggest need perfectly and could be their marquee signing.

Michael Bracewell:

A valuable all-round option, Bracewell adds balance with his off-spin and lower-order hitting—ideal for flexible match situations.

David Miller:

An experienced finisher, Miller can steady the innings when SRH’s aggressive plans don’t work and provide assurance in high-pressure chases.

KM Asif:

The Kerala pacer is known for his heavy-ball bowling and could be a long-term Indian pace investment for SRH.

Akash Deep:

Although he hasn't completely made his mark in T20, Akash Deep's experience is such that he can be a very economically viable alternative.

SunRisers Hyderabad, with a big budget and a few simple priorities, will be able to solve their problems at the IPL 2026 auction. By investing wisely in the spin department, finishing power and Indian pace, they could be a strong playoff contender again.