A team that has redefined aggression and consistency in the IPL, we’re talking about the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Since their entry into the league in 2013, SRH have built a strong reputation for their disciplined bowling attack and fearless approach on the field.
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SRH Playing 11 for IPL 2026 After Retention List

Their maiden IPL title came under David Warner’s leadership to consistently featuring among the top contenders. Over the years, they’ve produced several match-winners who have delivered memorable performances on the biggest stages.
All eyes are now on one of the best IPL teams, Sunrisers Hyderabad retention list, as the IPL 2026 auction is just a few weeks away. Superstars of world cricket Pat Cummins, Travis Head, and Abhishek Sharma are forming a very strong core for the upcoming season. The management will try to find the perfect balance between experience and emerging talent to form a perfect squad for IPL 2026.
SRH Retention List
| Player Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Pat Cummins (c) | Captain / Fast Bowler |
| Travis Head | Batter |
| Abhishek Sharma | All-Rounder |
| Nitish Kumar Reddy | All-Rounder |
| Ishan Kishan | Wicket-Keeper Batter |
| Harsh Dubey | All-Rounder / Spinner |
| Atharva Taide | Batter |
| Abhinav Manohar | Batter |
| Simarjeet Singh | Fast Bowler |
| Zeeshan Ansari | Spinner |
| Jaydev Unadkat | Left-Arm Fast Bowler |
| Kamindu Mendis | All-Rounder / Spinner |
| Aniket Verma | Batter |
| Wiaan Mulder | All-Rounder / Fast Bowler |
Sunrisers Hyderabad are expected to stick with their young and talented core ahead of IPL 2026. After an impressive start in the 2025 season, the performance dipped midway through the season, which resulted in the elimination from the race of playoffs. Despite having one of the ruthless batting orders, they finished in 6th position on the points table.
It's a new season, and the management will try to stick with the core of last year to maintain consistency in the group. SRH is likely to retain players like one of the best IPL batsmen, Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ishan Kishan and Pat Cummins, who have been the backbone of the team in the last season.
The management might also continue with Travis Head and Wiaan Mulder, considering their experience and match-winning capabilities. A good mix of youth and experience, SRH’s main goal will be to build consistency and strengthen their middle order, which has been their weak point in previous seasons. They will try to get finishers in the upcoming auction.
SRH Players Likely to be Released
| Player Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Heinrich Klaasen | Wicket-Keeper Batter |
| Mohammad Shami | Fast Bowler |
| Harshal Patel | Medium-Fast Bowler / All-Rounder |
| Sachin Baby | Batter |
| Rahul Chahar | Spinner (Leg-Spinner) |
| Eshan Malinga | Fast Bowler |
Hyderabad management is likely to release several players ahead of the IPL 2026 auction as they try to build a balanced squad. Heinrich Klaasen might be released due to his high salary of ₹23 crore, despite limited match-winning knocks last season.
Mohammad Shami and Harshal Patel could be let go as SRH look for more younger and better options, more economical pacers. Rahul Chahar has struggled to deliver consistent spells, while Sachin Baby hasn’t found a permanent place in the playing XI; he might also be released.
Eshan Malinga, though talented, lacked the experience needed at the top level could lead to his exclusion from the squad as well.
SRH Playing 11 for IPL 2026
| Player Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Travis Head | Batter |
| Abhishek Sharma | All-Rounder |
| Ishan Kishan | Wicket-Keeper Batter |
| Aniket Verma | Batter |
| Nitish Reddy | All-Rounder |
| Wiaan Mulder | All-Rounder / Fast Bowler |
| Abhinav Manohar | Batter |
| Pat Cummins (c) | Captain / Fast Bowler |
| Zeeshan Ansari | Spinner |
| Jaydev Unadkat | Left-Arm Fast Bowler |
| Kamindu Mendis | All-Rounder / Spinner |
The probable SRH playing 11 for IPL 2026 will be full of fire powers with players like Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma at the top. Head is expected to anchor the innings, while explosive Indian batters like Abhishek and Ishan Kishan will try to take advantage of the field restrictions..
The all-round capabilities of Wiaan Mulder, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Kamindu Mendis offer flexibility in both batting and bowling, supported by middle-order stability from Abhinav Manohar.
Spin options include Aniket Verma and Zeeshan Ansari, while the pace attack is led by captain Pat Cummins alongside Jaydev Unadkat. Overall, SRH is looking good even before the auction, a batting-heavy team; however, they need to invest in finishers and death bowlers in order to lift their 2nd trophy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Abhishek Sharma traded to SRH?
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Is Abhishek Sharma traded to SRH?
In January 2018, Sharma was bought by Delhi Daredevils in the 2018 IPL auction for Rs 5.5 million. In May, he made his debut and went on to score 46 runs off 19 balls. In February 2022, Sharma was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad for the 2022 edition.
Who are SRH's key players?
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Who are SRH's key players?
Pat Cummins, Travis Head, and Abhishek Sharma are SRH's key players.
Who is the SRH girl?
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Who is the SRH girl?
Kavya Maran, born into an influential Indian business family, leads Sunrisers Hyderabad as CEO. With an MBA from Warwick, she oversees team management and auction strategies. Her personal net worth is estimated at Rs 409 crore.
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