5 players SRH might release ahead of IPL 2026 auction

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) were runners-up in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. However, in 2025, they finished sixth, spending a considerable amount of time at the bottom of the table. The Pat Cummins-led side will look to make some changes to their squad before next season to put on a show for the Orange Army.

Sunrisers Hyderabad are known for playing with an ultra-aggressive approach. They have amassed 250-plus scores for fun, especially in their 2024 campaign. They also made it to the finals

in the 2024 season, but lost to Kolkata Knight Riders. However, the following season saw them have a very lack lustrous season.

One of the main reasons behind this was the dismal form of some batters in the side. Meanwhile, the bowling department also produced a lacklustre performance, with not many bowlers being able to stem the flow of runs on excellent batting surfaces. In this article, CricTracker has done a thorough analysis of five players who could be released by the Sunrisers Hyderabad ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, which is not too far away. 

Let's look at 5 players SRH might release ahead of IPL 2026 auction

5. Harshal Patel

Harshal Patel was roped in by SRH for INR 8 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction. However, the experienced pacer didn't have a great time with the ball last season. While he did pick up 16 wickets from 13 matches, he conceded runs at an economy rate of 9.80, which is slightly on the higher side, especially from someone who is as experienced as him.

Eight out of Harshal's wickets in the season came in two games, while the remaining eight came in 11 matches. So, the Sanand-born lacked consistency. He could be released ahead of the auction, and Hyderabad could try to sign him back for a lesser amount. Additionally, there is also an option of picking a promising youngster over the Gujarat cricketer.

4. Rahul Chahar

Rahul Chahar only played one match last season after being signed by the Hyderabad-based franchise for INR 3.20 at the IPL 2025 mega auction. Instead of Chahar, SRH showed faith in fellow leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari, who played 10 matches in the season.

Ansari only picked up six wickets in 10 games, but SRH persisted with him instead of going back to Chahar, who has the experience of playing for India. Harsh Dubey is another spinner who impressed during the tournament with his left-arm orthodox spin. So, it seems almost certain that Chahar will be released ahead of the mini auction.

3. Abhinav Manohar

Abhinav Manohar was roped in by Sunrisers Hyderabad at the IPL 2025 mega auction for INR 3.20 crore. However, the destructive Karnataka batter could only manage 61 runs in eight matches at a paltry average of 12.20 and a strike rate of 100.

The right-handed batter could be released ahead of the mini auction, and SRH could re-sign him for a lesser amount. However, Manohar could increase his stocks by doing well in domestic cricket in the lead-up to the auction. He has been included in Karnataka's Ranji Trophy 2025-26 squad, and some decent showings with the bat can bring him to limelight once again.

2. Ishan Kishan

Ishan Kishan was one of the biggest signings for SRH in the IPL 2025 mega auction. The Orange Army roped him in for a whopping INR 11.25 crore. Kishan started his journey at SRH with a bang, smashing an unbeaten 106 off 47 balls against the Rajasthan Royals on his franchise debut. However, he went through a prolonged lean patch after this score. In the penultimate match of the season, he scored a majestic 94* off 48 balls against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

The southpaw finished with 354 runs from 14 matches, a disappointing campaign barring the two phenomenal knocks. It seems highly unlikely that the 27-year-old will be retained by the franchise. However, he can always be taken back at the auction, as the dynamics of the team can change a lot given their proven opening pair of Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head.

1. Mohammed Shami

Mohammed Shami didn't look in great rhythm during the tournament. He was signed by SRH for INR 10 crore. The right-arm pacer played nine games, picking up six wickets at an average of 56.17 and an economy rate of 11.23. Shami recorded the then-worst figures in IPL against the Punjab Kings in an IPL 2025 encounter. He finished with a woeful spell of 0/75 in four overs. The Bengal pacer has lost his spot in the Indian team since the IPL, and he could be sent into the auction by SRH.