Will there be changes? Who all will SRH release in the next season? - Best11.in

In the recently concluded IPL season, while one franchise displayed a highly unfortunate performance, another franchise, Sunrisers Hyderabad, were finalists in the previous IPL, i.e., IPL 2025. We know that Sunrisers Hyderabad was a commendable team, but unfortunately, they ended up as runners-up in the final battle. However, in the latest IPL season, the 18th edition, Hyderabad failed to deliver a performance worthy of their reputation. Despite having a well-balanced squad, their underwhelming performance added to their tally of failures. With six wins, seven losses, and one no-result, Hyderabad finished the season in sixth place with 13 points. Despite boasting a strong batting and bowling lineup, SRH's overall performance this season was quite poor. Through the auction, Hyderabad brought in big names like Mohammed Shami, Harshal Patel, and Ishan Kishan, aiming for their second IPL title.

However, the high-profile players they acquired at a steep price failed to deliver performances matching their reputation, which was a major headache for Hyderabad throughout the season. Additionally, aggressive batsmen throwing away wickets added to Hyderabad’s string of losses. So, how was Hyderabad’s performance this season? What does their report card look like? Moreover, which players will Hyderabad likely release or retain for the next IPL season?

We’ve brought you a complete video on SRH’s auction planning. Before diving into the video, subscribe to the channel for more sports updates. The leading run-scorer for SRH this season was middle-order batsman Heinrich Klaasen with 457 runs, making him the team’s top scorer. The leading wicket-taker was Harshal Patel, who claimed 16 wickets. The player with the most sixes was their star opener Abhishek Sharma, with 28 sixes. As we know, Abhishek Sharma, along with Travis Head, played a pivotal role in SRH’s journey to the final last season. However, this time, the opening pair didn’t quite click, which impacted Hyderabad’s scoring in matches. Nevertheless, Abhishek Sharma delivered a notable performance, including a remarkable 141 runs off 55 balls against Punjab, setting a record score this season.

The best bowling performance came from Harshal Patel, who took 4 wickets for 28 runs against Chennai. The best bowling economy was by Jaydev Unadkat at 7.34. Hyderabad’s highest team total this season was 286 runs against RR in the season opener. That’s the past; now, what will Hyderabad’s planning be for the next season? Looking at the probable retention list of eight players, captain Pat Cummins, South African batsman Heinrich Klaasen, openers Abhishek Sharma, and Travis Head are unlikely to be released by SRH. Additionally, young Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan, brought in through the auction, is likely to be retained. In bowling, SRH is planning significant changes. While there’s a possibility of releasing Mohammed Shami, given his crucial role in Indian cricket, it’s unlikely SRH will let him go easily. Harshal Patel and Jaydev Unadkat are also likely to be retained. This forms SRH’s probable top-eight retention list.

So, which players or departments will Hyderabad target for changes in the next auction? Primarily, their bowling, especially spin bowling, caused the most issues this season. Hyderabad lacked prominent spinners, though young Ishan Malhotra performed impressively. Still, SRH may plan significant changes in their spin department, potentially targeting a mix of quality Indian and foreign spinners. Additionally, Hyderabad is eyeing quality all-rounders, as their aggressive top-order batsmen often threw away wickets. To stabilize the middle order, SRH may target a few all-rounders. In pace bowling, while retaining Shami, Harshal, Unadkat, and Cummins, Hyderabad might make one or two changes to strengthen their bowling lineup. This will likely be SRH’s auction strategy: retaining Cummins, Klaasen, Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan, Harshal Patel, Jaydev Unadkat, and Mohammed Shami, while focusing on revamping the bowling department, especially spinners and pacers. The batting core will largely be maintained, but the bowling department will see the most significant overhaul for the next season.

Let’s wait and see what changes Hyderabad will bring and whether they can clinch their second IPL title in the upcoming season.