3 players SRH shouldn't release ahead of IPL 2026 despite recent poor returns ft. Heinrich Klaasen

The SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) endured a miserable campaign in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL). After reaching the final in the 2024 season and playing an exciting brand of cricket, big things were expected of Pat Cummins and company. However, they were never in the playoff hunt and finished with just six wins from 14 matches.

SRH have been rumored to be active in the trade market. The Orange Army are reportedly considering sending a few players away via trade in order to give themselves sufficient funds for the IPL 2026 auction. They also have the option of releasing a few underperforming names, although that might not be a great idea given the current climate around the league.

SRH's squad for IPL 2025: Travis Head, Abhinav Manohar, Aniket Verma, Sachin Baby, Heinrich Klaasen, Ishan Kishan, Atharva Taide, Abhishek Sharma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kamindu Mendis, Adam Zampa, Rahul Chahar, Zeeshan Ansari, Mohammed Shami, Pat Cummins, Harshal Patel, Simarjeet Singh, Jaydev Unadkat, Brydon Carse, Eshan Malinga, R Smaran (r), Harsh Dubey (r), Wiaan Mulder (r).

On that note, here are three players SRH shouldn't release ahead of IPL 2026 despite their recent poor returns.

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#3 Mohammed Shami

2025 IPL - Sunrisers Hyderabad v Kolkata Knight Riders - Source: Getty

Mohammed Shami has been the subject of numerous trade rumors lately. Reports indicate that the Lucknow Super Giants are close to sealing an all-cash agreement for the veteran pacer. However, SRH should really weigh up their options before letting him go.

Shami was a long way from his best during the previous campaign, but he had only just recovered from long-term issues with his knee and his ankle. Since then, he has played a ton of domestic cricket for Bengal, including in the longer formats.

Hyderabad will certainly struggle to replace Shami with an Indian fast bowler of similar experience and pedigree, especially in a mini auction. Giving him another chance and then taking a call might not be the worst idea.

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#2 Heinrich Klaasen

2025 IPL - Sunrisers Hyderabad v Kolkata Knight Riders - Source: Getty

Heinrich Klaasen is, by far, the highest earner at SRH. He seems to be past his prime, with his performances in both the previous edition of the league as well as other T20 competitions dwindling in quality. Moreover, the South African's international future seems to have hit a dead end.

Earlier this week, there were rumors that SRH were considering releasing Klaasen and potentially buying him back at a cheaper price. However, many teams are all set to enter the auction with significant purses, and the middle-order batter might not come cheap even in a mini auction.

Moreover, a player like Klaasen would be irreplacable. Having made the decision to pay him a substantial paycheck, SRH will probably need to see it through over the ongoing cycle.

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#1 Ishan Kishan

2025 IPL - Sunrisers Hyderabad v Kolkata Knight Riders - Source: Getty

Ishan Kishan started IPL 2025 well, but his form tapered off rapidly. He is out of place at No. 3, with Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head taking up his ideal spot at the top of the order. More importantly, the left-hander keeper has clear issues against both pace and spin that he hasn't solved yet.

SRH already have a keeper in the form of Klaasen, so releasing Kishan isn't outside the realm of possibility. The Mumbai Indians are also rumored to be interested in their former player, and Hyderabad might be weighing up their options. Releasing or trading Kishan would give them a big purse boost to strengthen other areas of their squad.

However, making MI stronger by giving them Kishan certainly won't be a good idea. And releasing him doesn't seem viable either, given the scarcity of domestic wicket-keeping options in the auction pool. Although SRH will have to bat him out of position, they might have no other choice.

Edited by Sai Krishna