The 2026 IPL season is beginning to warm up and the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have once again become one of the most talked-about franchises in town after confirming their SRH Retained & Released Players 2026 list. With a heady mix of global heavyweights, young Indian talents and some brave calls in the release zone, the Orange Brigade have set themselves for an exciting IPL 2026 season.
In this detailed blog, we will brief about the complete list of retained players and released set by SRH for IPL 2026, analysis of these moves and how it affects existing squad or possible strategic moves as well as lastly what can be expected during upcoming mega season by fans.
SRH Team Retained Players List for IPL 2026
| Player Name | Role |
| Pat Cummins (Captain) | Bowler |
| Ishan Kishan | WK-Batter |
| Travis Head | Batter |
| Abhishek Sharma | All-Rounder |
| Heinrich Klaasen | WK-Batter |
| Nitish Kumar Reddy | All-Rounder |
| Harsh Dubey | All-Rounder |
| Aniket Verma | Batter |
| Eshan Malinga | Bowler |
| Zeeshan Ansari | Bowler |
| Kamindu Mendis | All-Rounder |
| Harshal Patel | Bowler |
| B Smaran | Batter |
| Brydon Carse | Bowler |
| Jaydev Unadkat | Bowler |
SRH Team Released Players List for IPL 2026
| Player Name | Role | Status |
| Mohammed Shami | Bowler | TRADED to LSG |
| Abhinav Manohar | Batter | Released |
| Smarjeet Singh | Bowler | Released |
| Atharva Taide | Batter | Released |
| Sachin Baby | Batter | Released |
| Wiaan Mulder | All-Rounder | Released |
| Rahul Chahar | Spinner | Released |
| Adam Zampa | Spinner | Released |
Detailed Breakdown: SRH Retained & Released Players 2026
Why SRH Retained These Core Players
Pat Cummins: The Captain India Needed
Following good comeback in past seasons, Pat Cummins continues to be the cornerstone of the side. He is not replaceable because of his captaincy, experience and what he does with the ball. In Cummins, SRH still retains their tactical acumen and global class.
Travis Head – The Run Machine
Travis Head One of the standout match winners in recent IPL seasons, Travis head remains an important ingredient. His aggressive top-order batting has single-handedly won the matches for teams in past and SRH had it coming!
Abhishek Sharma – the Rising Star of India
Abhishek, is a troubleshooter who hates his life due to unsuccessful relationship with Vasanthi (Rashmi Gautham) who works at railways.
Young all-round, who has improved a lot and been quite consistent. His soundtrack in innings opening, then stabilizing the middle, and offering up his useful overs makes Warner an invaluable two way Sunriser.
Ishan Kishan & Heinrich Klaasen – The Dual WK-Powerhouse
Here, we have two powerful keepers who can decimate the bowling and also come in to bat in the middle overs.
SRH went with the unexpected option of two ‘keeper-batters, hinting at a more flexible combination. Ishan is the explosiveness that Mumba Indians have at the top and Klassen gives them power-hitting suffering in the middle order.
Nitish Kumar Reddy – Excellence at Its Best
Art of Spin: Nitish Kumar Reddy One of the rising stars of SRH, Reddy brings in some dual-toned skills and has showed glimpses of what he can do. A shrewd hold for the franchise.
Strong Bowling Unit Retained
SRH strengthens the bowling further with likes of Eshan Malinga, Harshal Patel, Brydon Carse, Zeeshan Ansari and Jaydev Unadkat.
- Experience and death-over mastery from Harshal Patel
- Carse and Malinga bolster pace firepower
- Unadkat provides left-arm variation
- Zeeshan Ansari is the next spin sensation for SRH
Balance, youth and continuity are the themes of SRH’s retained list.
Why SRH Released These Players for 2026
Multiple Domestic Batters Released
They are releasing Abhinav Manohar, Atharva Taide and Sachin Baby which gives an indication as to the SRH want new Indian batting options at the auction. These guys weren’t given consistent chances and the franchise can probably do with more aggressive local talent.
Wiaan Mulder – Planning the Overseas slot
If you have a player who’s currently occupied playing overseas, that is considered your “overseas” slot.
Mulder is rather a versatile all-rounder but SRH already possess an abundance of overseas stalwarts. Creating space for better overseas options ahead of the mega auction.
Mohammed Shami – One of the Biggest Trades
The move of Mohammed Shami to LSG is one of the most prominent moves in the 2026 transfer window. Though no one can match Shami’s experience, SRH required younger pace-bowling options + more money in purse – so it’s the franchise who has used this an opportunity to gain a cash + player advantage.
Released: Spinners Rahul Chahar and Adam Zampa
The release of two experienced spinners by SRH suggests that the side are either:
- The planning for new spin options in the auction
- Depending on Zeeshan Ansari and the all-rounders
- Looking to boost batting-heavy combinations
This could be a decision that completely reshapes the SRH’s bowling combination.
Conclusion
The SRH Retained & Released Players 2026 list clearly indicates one thing – Sunrisers Hyderabad is eyeing for nothing but a big and a bold IPL 2026 tilt. Retaining their core match-winners, shedding players purposefully, SRH will be a more balanced and powerful team this season.
With Cummins leading the line, Head firing at the top, Abhishek Sharma coming into his own and Klaasen dictating terms in the middle order, SRH has possibly looked more balanced than ever. The next auction will be key, but the base appears set for a sound title charge in IPL 2026.
