IPL 2026: Released players who could be on Sunrisers Hyderabad’s radar in mini-auction

SRH might target Glenn Maxwell [Source: AFP]

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have announced their list of retained and released players ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction, which will take place on December 16 in Abu Dhabi. Interestingly, the team has held on to most of its core, including star names like Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen, and captain Pat Cummins. In total, SRH have retained 15 players, leaving them with two overseas slots still open and a healthy ₹25.5 crore purse to strengthen their squad.

As the franchise prepares for the auction, several players released by other teams could become strong targets. Here are the names SRH may keep a close eye on.

Ravi Bishnoi

To begin with, SRH could look to sign Ravi Bishnoi, released by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). 

• The young Indian leg-spinner offers both variety and reliability, making him an attractive option for any franchise. Moreover, Bishnoi has already proven himself in T20 cricket with his quick, attacking bowling style and his ability to deceive batters with sharp googlies.
• So far, he has represented Punjab Kings and LSG in the IPL, picking up 72 wickets in 76 innings at an economy rate of 8.22. Because Bishnoi relies on speed and smart variations rather than big turn, he can be considered by many teams.

Since SRH currently have a foreign-heavy batting lineup and only Kamindu Mendis as an established spinner, adding a quality Indian spinner like Bishnoi could help balance the team much better.

David Miller

Another strong option for SRH is David Miller, who was released by Gujarat Titans. The experienced South African batter would bring much-needed solidity to the middle order. In addition, he shares great chemistry with Heinrich Klaasen, having played together for their national team. This existing partnership could translate into a dependable middle-order combination for SRH.

[David Miller's IPL batting stats in middle order]

Miller’s numbers speak for themselves. Batting between No. 4 and No. 6, he has scored 3,029 runs in 129 innings, averaging 36.5, along with one century and 13 fifties. His ability to calmly guide run chases and finish matches makes him a valuable asset, especially for SRH, who have struggled to find a consistent middle-order player despite experimenting with names like Aniket Verma and Abhinav Manohar. 

Therefore, Miller could be exactly the stabilising presence they need.

Glenn Maxwell

Finally, SRH might also consider Glenn Maxwell, released by Punjab Kings. If picked, Maxwell would join fellow Australians Travis Head and Pat Cummins, strengthening the team’s familiar core. Furthermore, the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium pitch, which often favours stroke-play, suits Maxwell’s attacking style perfectly.

• Not only is Maxwell a powerful batter, but he is also an effective off-spinner. With SRH releasing Adam Zampa and Rahul Chahar, his ability to contribute with both bat and ball becomes even more valuable. 

[Glenn Maxwell's batting stats against spin]

• As shown in the table, Maxwell has played well against spin in his IPL career so far. Moreover, with Heinrich Klaasen currently the only middle-order batter consistently performing against both spin and pace, Maxwell’s presence could add much-needed support. Notably, Klaasen excels against pace bowling, while Maxwell handles spin well, meaning the two could complement each other perfectly. 
• And although Kamindu Mendis had a decent IPL 2026 season, Maxwell’s experience and match-winning ability could make him the more impactful choice for SRH’s plans. 

Across his IPL career, he has scored 2,819 runs and taken 41 wickets, proving his all-round impact. His flexibility to bat anywhere in the order also gives SRH additional strategic options.

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