IPL retentions: Heinrich Klaasen out? SRH's potential releases ahead of 2026 auction

SRH likely retention [Source: @SrhFansBrigade/X.com]

After a rollercoaster IPL 2025 campaign that ended without a playoff berth, Sunrisers Hyderabad are staring at a crucial turning point. The 2016 champions finished sixth on the table, not disastrous, but far from their ambitious standards. 

With the IPL 2026 retention deadline just around the corner, SRH are gearing up for a shake-up that could see some fan favourites let go.

Despite decent ups, the season exposed a few uncomfortable truths. The top order fired inconsistently, the middle overs lacked bite, and the bowling attack, once Hyderabad’s biggest weapon, struggled for control in crunch moments. 

As a result, the franchise is expected to take bold calls when deciding who stays and who goes.

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SRH core players likely to stay

(Table - Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma's IPL 2025 stats)

Captain Pat Cummins is all but certain to stay. His calm leadership and reliable death bowling have given SRH a strong foundation. 

Alongside him, the explosive Travis Head and the fearless Abhishek Sharma formed one of the most dynamic opening pairs of the tournament. 

Abhishek’s strike rate of 193 and Head’s quick starts often set the tone, even if the team didn’t always capitalise.

Young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy is another name SRH will likely hold onto. His all-round promise and maturity under pressure make him a long-term asset. 

Heinrich Klaasen and others face an uncertain future

The biggest surprise could come in the form of Heinrich Klaasen’s potential release. On paper, the South African wicketkeeper-batter has been outstanding. But his high price tag (₹23 crore) and SRH’s need for greater auction flexibility might see him part ways with the franchise. 

Reports suggest the team could be eyeing a budget-friendly overseas hitter to balance the squad better.

Since Klaasen is most likely to leave, SRH will keep Ishan Kishan as they won't get a better explosive middle-order option in the mini-auction market. 

Mohammed Shami vs Harshal Patel

(Table - Mohammed Shami and Harshal Patel's stats for IPL 2025)

The future is similarly uncertain for veteran pacer Mohammed Shami. He picked just 6 wickets last year and has been sidelined out of international cricket. 

Since the 2023 heal injury, his fitness has been constantly been up in the air. Hence, it makes less sense for SRH to invest in him any longer.

As for Harshal Patel, he was the one of the biggest positives for SRH, picking 16 wickets at 26.87 average. With Shami gone, Patel will lead the pace attack alongside Cummins.

Meanwhile, Brydon Carse, Jaydev Unadkat, and Rahul Chahar are also tipped to be released as the franchise retools its attack.

A strategic rebuild on the horizon

This isn’t a complete overhaul, it’s more of a recalibration. SRH have shown glimpses of brilliance but lacked the finishing punch. 

Striking the right balance between experience and youth, consistency, and aggression is what they will focus on in 2026. Whether this new approach finally helps SRH reclaim their lost spark remains to be seen, but undeniably, change is coming, and it will surely be bold

SRH likely retention for IPL 2026 

Pat Cummins, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Travis Head, Harshal Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Abhinav Manohar, Adam Zampa, Kamindu Mendis, Atharava Taide, Aniket Verma, Smaran Ravichandran, Eshan Malinga, Zeeshan Ansari

Likely releases - Heinrich Klaasen, Mohammed Shami, Simarjeet Singh, Brydon Carse, Sachin Baby, Jaydev Unadkat, Rahul Chahar

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