Sunrisers Hyderabad endured a disappointing run in IPL 2025 after their thrilling performance in 2024, where they had reached the final playing an aggressive brand of cricket under Pat Cummins. Expectations were high for the 2025 campaign, but inconsistencies from key players and lack of balance in team selection eventually led to a sixth-place finish in the league table. As the Sunrisers management prepares for the IPL 2026 auction, major reshuffling looks inevitable. The franchise has often been bold in its auction decisions, and this year could see several high-value names released in an effort to boost the auction purse and build a more rounded squad.
One of the biggest areas of concern for SRH was the inconsistency in their top and middle order. Despite flashes of brilliance, players failed to maintain momentum through the season, often leaving the bowling unit under pressure. The management will be eager to address these gaps by letting go of underperformers and investing in reliable match-winners. Here’s a closer look at five players who could be released ahead of the IPL 2026 auction to free up significant funds and rebuild the squad strategically.
5 crucial players SRH might consider releasing before the IPL 2026 auction:
- Ishan Kishan
Bought for a whopping Rs 11.40 crore, Ishan Kishan came into IPL 2025 as one of the marquee signings for SRH. The franchise had placed immense faith in the left-handed wicketkeeper-batter to provide explosive starts and stability at the top. He began the season in fine style with a century against Rajasthan Royals, but that turned out to be an outlier. Across 14 matches, Ishan managed only 354 runs, struggling with both form and consistency. Given his heavy price tag and average returns, SRH could release Kishan to recover funds for signing either a more dependable Indian top-order batter or an overseas powerhouse capable of producing game-changing starts.
- Heinrich Klaasen
Heinrich Klaasen’s retention at Rs 23 crore made him one of the most expensive players in IPL 2025, but his form failed to match the investment. The South African power-hitter was expected to dominate spin-heavy attacks and replicate his explosive form from the previous year. However, apart from a few notable knocks, Klaasen’s season remained underwhelming with 487 runs in 14 matches. With his salary occupying a significant part of the SRH purse, the management could opt to release him and explore other overseas options like Phil Salt or Harry Brook, both of whom align with SRH’s attacking philosophy but at a lower cost.
- Mohammed Shami
The experienced Indian pacer was signed for Rs 10 crore in the previous auction, but injuries and declining rhythm had a visible impact on his performance. Mohammed Shami scalped only six wickets across nine matches, with an alarming economy rate of 11.23. His struggles with fitness and death bowling compounded SRH’s problems in the middle phase of the league. Although Shami’s name carries prestige, the franchise may decide to part ways with him before IPL 2026. The decision would not only release significant funds but also allow SRH to target younger pace options such as Mukesh Kumar or Kartik Tyagi, who could bring long-term value and more control in the powerplay overs.
- Rahul Chahar
The leg-spinner from India was added to the squad for Rs 3.20 crore, but his season was virtually non-existent as he played only a single match, bowling just one over. His limited opportunities indicate that he never really fit into SRH’s strategic plans. Releasing Rahul Chahar seems inevitable given SRH’s preference for wrist spinners who can also contribute lower down the order. Cutting him loose could help them scout impactful spinners like Mayank Markande or domestic performers from the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy who could provide better flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
- Wiaan Mulder
The South African seam-bowling all-rounder joined SRH during IPL 2025 as an injury replacement at a base price of Rs 75 lakh. However, Wiaan Mulder managed just one appearance in the league, conceding 16 runs in his only over and making 9 with the bat. Despite being a capable all-rounder at international level, Mulder’s utility in the IPL setup seemed limited. With SRH already having quality all-rounders like Washington Sundar and Marco Jansen, retaining Mulder appears unnecessary. His release would free up an overseas slot, giving SRH the chance to look for a more dynamic finisher who can contribute significantly in both departments.
Key auction strategy and potential replacements
Looking ahead to IPL 2026, SRH will prioritize balance over big names. While they have long been known for their strong bowling combinations, the 2025 season exposed their dependency on individual brilliance. The management under coach Daniel Vettori is expected to bring fresh focus on role clarity, power hitters, and domestic depth. By releasing expensive underperformers, SRH can enter the auction with a much healthier purse to target emerging Indian batters, flexible all-rounders, and reliable finishers.
Some of their likely targets could include domestic talents like Riyan Parag or Abhishek Sharma-style players who can bat aggressively and deliver a few overs of spin. On the overseas front, someone like Glenn Phillips or Cameron Green could be viable additions depending on their availability and pricing. A major target could also be an Indian pacer in the 140+ kmph bracket to partner Cummins and strengthen the bowling attack.
