Sunrisers Hyderabad have finalized their retention list for the IPL 2026 season, making strategic decisions by releasing Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa and seven other players while retaining 15 players from their IPL 2025 campaign. The franchise, which finished sixth last season with just six wins from 14 matches and missed the playoffs by three points, has opted for selective squad restructuring ahead of the December 16 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi. With captain Pat Cummins leading the retained core and INR 25.50 crore available in their auction purse—the third-highest among all franchises—SRH enters the mini-auction with clear objectives to strengthen their spin bowling department and middle-order consistency that prevented playoff qualification.
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SRH’s Strategic Retention Philosophy
After a disappointing IPL 2025 campaign that saw Sunrisers Hyderabad finish sixth on the points table—a dramatic fall from their runners-up finish in IPL 2024—the team maintained a balanced retention approach by keeping proven performers while making difficult decisions on underperforming specialists. The retention strategy reflects hard lessons learned from inconsistent cricket, prioritizing the explosive top-order that defined their success, proven overseas match-winners, and promising young Indian talent over expensive specialists who couldn’t deliver consistent performances.
Under the leadership of captain Pat Cummins and guided by head coach Daniel Vettori, SRH emphasized maintaining their aggressive batting approach while rebuilding their spin bowling department. Travis Head scored 374 runs in 13 matches at a strike rate of 162.61, while Abhishek Sharma compiled 439 runs in 14 matches at an average of 33.77 and a strike rate of 193.39.
The franchise’s decision to retain 15 players demonstrates confidence in the core batting unit that delivered explosive starts throughout the season, while acknowledging the need for spin bowling reinforcement through targeted auction acquisitions.
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Complete Retained Players List for IPL 2026
| Player Name | Role | Nationality | Retention Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pat Cummins (C) | Fast Bowler | Australia | Captain, pace bowling leader, all-round experience |
| Travis Head | Batsman | Australia | Explosive opener, 374 runs at 162.61 SR |
| Abhishek Sharma | All-rounder | India | Aggressive opener, 439 runs at 193.39 SR |
| Heinrich Klaasen | Wicketkeeper | South Africa | Power-hitting, finishing ability, retained at ₹23 cr |
| Ishan Kishan | Wicketkeeper | India | Left-handed batting depth, keeping flexibility |
| Nitish Kumar Reddy | All-rounder | India | Rising star, national team breakthrough |
| Aniket Verma | Batsman | India | Young talent, fearless batting |
| R. Smaran | Batsman | India | Promising domestic prospect |
| Kamindu Mendis | All-rounder | Sri Lanka | Middle-order depth, versatility |
| Harsh Dubey | Spinner | India | Young leg-spin prospect |
| Harshal Patel | Fast Bowler | India | Two-time Purple Cap winner, death-overs specialist |
| Brydon Carse | All-rounder | England | Pace bowling depth, lower-order hitting |
| Eshan Malinga | Fast Bowler | Sri Lanka | Express pace, new-ball aggression |
| Jaydev Unadkat | Fast Bowler | India | Left-arm pace, experience, swing bowling |
| Zeeshan Ansari | Spinner | India | Leg-spin, domestic talent |
Traded-Out Player:
- Mohammed Shami (Fast Bowler, India) – Traded to LSG for INR 10 crore (all-cash deal)
The retention of 15 players plus the strategic Mohammed Shami trade demonstrates Sunrisers Hyderabad’s commitment to building around their explosive top-order trio while creating financial flexibility for spin bowling reinforcement and middle-order depth at the auction.
The Adam Zampa Release: Spin Bowling Overhaul Begins
Perhaps the most significant decision in SRH’s retention list is the release of Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa, whose persistent unavailability and poor returns when available prompted the franchise management to seek alternative spin options. When it comes to Zampa, he has been unavailable to play in the IPL for all the seasons when he has been brought by any team.
The 32-year-old’s chronic unavailability for IPL duty—stemming from international commitments with Australia’s white-ball squad—made him an unreliable investment despite his proven T20 credentials. With injury issues and poor economy rates, Adam Zampa and Simarjeet Singh are expected to be released. SRH will likely scout for more reliable spin and pace options.
Adam Zampa: Availability and Performance Concerns
| Issue | Impact | Result |
|---|---|---|
| International Commitments | Unavailable for multiple IPL seasons | Unreliable selection option |
| Limited Matches | Sporadic appearances when available | No rhythm or consistency |
| Economy Rate | High run-conceding in death overs | Expensive in pressure situations |
| Overseas Slot | Premium position wasted | Better options available |
The release of Zampa alongside fellow leg-spinner Rahul Chahar signals a complete spin bowling department overhaul for Sunrisers Hyderabad. Zampa & Chahar: Spin overhaul after poor 2025 impact. With only young leg-spinners Zeeshan Ansari and Harsh Dubey retained, SRH faces a critical need to acquire proven wrist-spinning talent at the December auction who can provide consistent middle-overs control.
Among the notable exits are legspinners Adam Zampa and Rahul Chahar, alongside South African all-rounder Wiaan Mulder. Head coach Daniel Vettori said the decisions were made with long-term balance in mind.
The strategic decision reflects SRH’s acknowledgment that successful IPL campaigns require players who can commit fully to the tournament rather than treating it as a secondary priority behind international duty. The franchise will now seek spinners who offer both availability guarantees and proven IPL performance records.
Mohammed Shami Trade: Pace Attack Reshuffle
While Adam Zampa’s release garnered attention, Sunrisers Hyderabad’s most significant roster move came through the trade window when they sent veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami to Lucknow Super Giants for an all-cash deal worth INR 10 crore. The move represents a strategic decision to free up substantial purse space while reshaping their pace attack around younger, hungrier options.
Mohammed Shami has not been released; he has been traded to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). This gives SRH extra purse room for fresh auction targets.
Shami, who was SRH’s second-most expensive signing at the IPL 2025 mega auction for INR 10 crore, didn’t feature prominently in the franchise’s plans during the season due to injury concerns and fitness issues that plagued his availability. The trade allowed SRH to recoup the full investment while creating opportunities to target more reliable pace bowling options at the auction.
SRH’s Trade Window Activity
| Player | Direction | Value | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mohammed Shami | Traded-Out to LSG | INR 10 crore (all-cash) | Frees purse, pace attack rebuild |
Shami trade: Strategic decision to free purse + rebuild pace attack. With Pat Cummins, Harshal Patel, Jaydev Unadkat, Brydon Carse, and Eshan Malinga retained, SRH maintains substantial pace bowling depth even without Shami. The franchise can now target a specialist death-overs pacer or express pace bowler at the auction using the freed-up funds.
Other Strategic Releases
Beyond Adam Zampa and the Mohammed Shami trade, Sunrisers Hyderabad released six additional players to optimize squad composition and create auction flexibility.
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Complete Released Players List
| Player Name | Role | Reason for Release |
|---|---|---|
| Adam Zampa | Spinner | Persistent unavailability, international commitments |
| Mohammed Shami | Fast Bowler | Traded to LSG for all-cash deal |
| Rahul Chahar | Spinner | Poor impact, played just one match |
| Wiaan Mulder | All-rounder | Overseas slot optimization |
| Abhinav Manohar | Batsman | Limited game time, poor returns |
| Atharva Taide | Batsman | Minimal opportunities, expendable |
| Sachin Baby | Batsman | Fringe player, no significant impact |
| Simarjeet Singh | Fast Bowler | Limited playing time, depth player |
Rahul Chahar, the Indian leg-spinner, was released after an underwhelming IPL 2025 campaign. Rahul Chahar also ended up being released by the team, after playing just one game for them in the last season. His single-match appearance provided insufficient evidence to justify retention, particularly given SRH’s need for reliable spin options who can deliver consistently across multiple matches.
Wiaan Mulder, the South African all-rounder, was released as part of SRH’s overseas slot optimization strategy. With Pat Cummins, Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen, and Kamindu Mendis occupying the four overseas positions, Mulder became expendable despite his all-round capabilities.
The other released players, especially Abhinav Manohar, were expected to fire last season but failed miserably, while Rahul Chahar and Adam Zampa could not be dependable spinners in the team.
Abhinav Manohar, Atharva Taide, and Sachin Baby—all domestic batsmen—were released after failing to secure regular playing opportunities or deliver match-winning performances when given chances. Abhinav, Sachin Baby, Taide: Limited opportunities and returns.
Simarjeet Singh, the Indian fast bowler, found playing time scarce in a pace attack featuring Cummins, experienced campaigners, and younger prospects. His release creates a roster spot for potentially more impactful domestic pace talent at the auction.
The Heinrich Klaasen Retention: Surprise Decision
One of the most debated decisions in SRH’s retention list is keeping South African wicketkeeper-batsman Heinrich Klaasen at his massive INR 23 crore price tag from the IPL 2025 mega auction—the franchise’s most expensive player. The franchise has retained Heinrich Klaasen, their most expensive and most impactful recent signing, reaffirming his central role in SRH’s batting plans.
Despite widespread speculation that SRH might release Klaasen to free up substantial purse space for squad balancing, the franchise demonstrated faith in the explosive middle-order batsman’s match-winning ability. The retention reflects SRH’s assessment that Klaasen’s power-hitting and finishing capabilities justify the significant investment, particularly given the scarcity of proven T20 finishers in the auction market.
The decision to retain Klaasen at full cost while releasing Adam Zampa and trading Mohammed Shami underscores SRH’s batting-first philosophy and their belief that explosive run-scoring trumps bowling depth in modern T20 cricket.
Auction Strategy: Targeting Specific Positions
With INR 25.50 crore remaining—the third-highest purse among all franchises—and ten roster slots available (including three overseas positions), Sunrisers Hyderabad enters the December 16 mini-auction with precise priorities and substantial financial flexibility.
Primary Auction Targets:
1. Quality Leg-Spinners to Replace Zampa and Chahar: With both Adam Zampa and Rahul Chahar released, SRH desperately needs proven wrist-spinning talent who can provide middle-overs control and wicket-taking ability. The franchise should target experienced Indian leg-spinners or reliable overseas options who guarantee full tournament availability.
2. Lead Pace Bowler to Replace Mohammed Shami: Shami’s trade to LSG creates a vacancy for a frontline Indian pacer capable of handling new-ball and middle-overs responsibilities. A new lead pacer to replace Shami. A death-overs specialist.
3. Middle-Order Power-Hitter: Despite Heinrich Klaasen’s retention, SRH requires additional middle-order firepower to support him and prevent over-reliance on a single finisher. A versatile batsman who can accelerate from ball one would provide crucial depth.
4. Additional Indian All-Rounders: With limited domestic all-round options beyond Nitish Kumar Reddy and Abhishek Sharma, SRH needs utility players who offer batting depth and bowling overs across multiple phases.
5. Backup Wicketkeeper Options: While Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen provide keeping coverage, SRH should consider a young domestic wicketkeeper-batsman as third-choice insurance.
Head coach Daniel Vettori said, “We wanted to keep the nucleus together and we’re happy with how the players performed. Having a healthy purse allows us to target quality players.”
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s approach suggests aggressive bidding focused on addressing the twin crises of spin bowling depth and pace attack leadership vacated by Zampa, Chahar, and Shami. With the third-highest purse, SRH possesses financial firepower to compete for premium auction targets while maintaining budget flexibility for value-driven acquisitions.
Building Around Pat Cummins’ Leadership
The retention of Pat Cummins as captain signals SRH’s long-term leadership vision despite the team’s sixth-place finish in IPL 2025. The Australian pace bowler’s tactical acumen, world-class bowling, and championship pedigree justify continued faith from the franchise management.
With the explosive opening partnership of Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma retained, Heinrich Klaasen’s finishing power secured, and promising young talents like Nitish Kumar Reddy and Aniket Verma backed, Cummins will have potent offensive weapons at his disposal. The challenge lies in supporting this batting firepower with the bowling resources needed to defend totals and restrict opposition scoring.
The franchise’s philosophy of backing explosive batting while rebuilding bowling departments through auctions reflects modern T20 strategy—prioritize run-scoring power, then acquire bowlers who can operate within those constraints. If SRH successfully addresses spin bowling and pace attack gaps at the December auction, they possess the batting firepower to challenge any opposition in IPL 2026.
FAQs
Why did SRH release Adam Zampa?
SRH released Adam Zampa due to his persistent unavailability for IPL duty caused by international commitments with Australia’s white-ball team. The Australian leg-spinner has been unavailable for multiple IPL seasons, making him an unreliable investment despite his T20 credentials. Combined with poor economy rates and injury issues, Zampa’s release enabled SRH to target more dependable spin options.
How many players did Sunrisers Hyderabad retain for IPL 2026?
Sunrisers Hyderabad retained 15 players from their IPL 2025 squad, including captain Pat Cummins, Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Heinrich Klaasen, Ishan Kishan, and Nitish Kumar Reddy. They also completed one trade, sending Mohammed Shami to Lucknow Super Giants for INR 10 crore in an all-cash deal.
How much auction purse does SRH have for IPL 2026?
SRH has INR 25.50 crore remaining in their auction purse for the mini-auction scheduled for December 16 in Abu Dhabi—the third-highest among all IPL franchises. They have ten roster slots available, including three overseas positions, providing substantial flexibility for targeted acquisitions.
Who are the spin bowlers retained by SRH after releasing Zampa and Chahar?
SRH retained young leg-spinners Zeeshan Ansari and Harsh Dubey as their primary spin options after releasing Adam Zampa and Rahul Chahar. However, this creates a critical need to acquire proven wrist-spinning talent at the auction who can provide consistent middle-overs control and wicket-taking ability.
Why did SRH trade Mohammed Shami to Lucknow Super Giants?
SRH traded Mohammed Shami to LSG for INR 10 crore in an all-cash deal to free up substantial purse space while rebuilding their pace attack around younger options. Shami’s injury concerns and fitness issues limited his availability, making the trade a strategic decision that provided financial flexibility for targeting more reliable pace bowling options at the auction.
