SRH keep Cummins, Head, and Abhishek; release Zampa and Chahar ahead of mega auction
Hyderabad, November 15, 2025 – Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have announced their squad for IPL 2026, retaining their core players while making significant changes to strengthen their lineup for the upcoming season. The franchise aims to build on their promising performances from recent seasons while addressing key areas of inconsistency.
Core Retained
SRH have kept their backbone intact, led by captain Pat Cummins, explosive opener Abhishek Sharma, and power-hitter Travis Head. Cummins’ leadership and bowling make him central to the team’s strategy, while the opening pair of Abhishek and Head has played a huge role in SRH’s revival in recent seasons.
Travis Head scored 374 runs in 13 matches last year 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 trio of Cummins, Abhishek and Head provides SRH with a strong mix of experience, firepower and youth to build around for IPL 2026.
Major Trade: Shami Moves to LSG
In a significant move, SRH traded veteran pacer Mohammed Shami to Lucknow Super Giants ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.
SRH had bought Shami for ₹10 crore in the IPL 2025 auction, but the player failed to impress. Shami could pick up just 6 wickets in 9 matches he played, with his economy going as high as 11.23.
Before joining SRH, Shami was part of Gujarat Titans, where he clinched the Purple Cap in 2023 with 28 wickets in 17 matches but missed the following season due to injury.
Key Releases
SRH released star spinners Adam Zampa and Rahul Chahar, indicating a shift in their bowling strategy for the upcoming season. Other notable releases include Wiaan Mulder, Abhinav Manohar, Atharva Taide, Sachin Baby, and Simarjeet Singh.
Complete SRH Squad for IPL 2026
Players Retained: Pat Cummins (captain), Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Aniket Verma, R. Smaran, Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harsh Dubey, Kamindu Mendis, Harshal Patel, Brydon Carse, Jaydev Unadkat, Eshan Malinga, Zeeshan Ansari
Players Released: Adam Zampa, Rahul Chahar, Wiaan Mulder, Abhinav Manohar, Atharva Taide, Sachin Baby, Simarjeet Singh
Traded Out: Mohammed Shami (to Lucknow Super Giants)
The retention strategy suggests SRH are looking to maintain their aggressive batting approach while rebuilding their spin bowling department through the upcoming mega auction. With key overseas players like Cummins, Head, and Klaasen retained, the franchise has a solid foundation to build their IPL 2026 campaign around.
