After a so-so IPL 2025, where Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) just missed the playoffs, ending up sixth, the team’s bosses are now looking to shake up the squad before the IPL 2026 mini-auction. With the retention deadline coming up on November 15, SRH will likely make some big calls on who stays and who goes.
Even though they had some great moments in the 2025 season, SRH struggled with their middle order and didn’t have enough good bowlers, which really hurt them. They’ll probably keep their main guys, like Pat Cummins, Abhishek Sharma, and Travis Head, who all played great. Cummins’s leadership and bowling were key, and Head and Abhishek brought the heat at the top of the order. The franchise will probable also hang on to some up-and-comers like Ishan Kishan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Abhinav Manohar, Adam Zampa, and Kamindu Mendis for 2026.
But here’s the big rumour: Heinrich Klaasen might get dropped. Even though he’s been killing it for the last two seasons, word is SRH might let him go to save some cash for the mini-auction. This way, they could go after a number of players instead of relying on one expensive foreign batter. Reports say SRH might be looking at cheaper but solid batting options to make the squad more balanced.
Besides Klaasen, some other guys might be on the chopping block too, including Mohammed Shami, Harshal Patel, Simarjeet Singh, Brydon Carse, Sachin Baby, Jaydev Unadkat, and Rahul Chahar. If this happens, SRH would have a lot more room to manoeuvre at the auction and fix their weak spots, especially in the middle overs and when it comes to death bowling.
With good leaders, some promising young players, and a new emphasis on balance, SRH’s retention and release strategy is gonna be crucial for their IPL 2026 season. Fans are waiting to hear the official word from the franchise after the retention list comes out on November 15.