The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been a game not just on the field but also at the auction table. With the IPL 2026 mega auction on the horizon, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) could be looking at some big decisions, especially around a few players who didn’t quite deliver in IPL 2025 despite heavy investments.
Let’s take a look at four names who might be released ahead of the next season.
1. Ishan Kishan – A Costly Bet That Didn’t Pay Off
SRH spent a massive ₹11.40 crore to bring Ishan Kishan onboard in the IPL 2025 mega auction. While expectations were sky-high, his performance didn’t match the price tag. The left-handed opener scored 354 runs in 14 matches with 33 fours and 15 sixes, which is decent but not match-winning.
Despite having an overall IPL record of 2998 runs in 119 matches (including 1 century and 17 fifties), Ishan’s strike-rate of 137.65 and average of 29.11 hasn’t provided SRH the explosive starts they hoped for. His underwhelming 2025 season could put his SRH future in doubt.
2. Heinrich Klaasen – Big Money, Inconsistent Returns
The biggest talking point for SRH in the IPL 2025 auction was the eye-watering ₹23 crore signing of South African wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen. Known for his power-hitting, Klaasen did score 487 runs in 14 matches with 42 fours and 25 sixes, but the numbers didn’t quite justify the massive paycheck.
His overall IPL record stands at 1480 runs in 48 matches at an average of 40.00 and a strike rate of 169.72 – clearly he has the ability. However, in a season where SRH needed him to consistently finish games, he lacked the impact they invested in. As a result, SRH might look for a more balanced option in the 2026 auction.
3. Mohammed Shami – Struggles With the Ball
Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami was another big name SRH roped in for ₹10 crore. Unfortunately, his performance in IPL 2025 left fans disappointed. He managed just 6 wickets in 9 matches and leaked runs at an economy of 11.23 – way higher than his career economy of 8.63.
With age catching up and younger pacers emerging, SRH may think twice before persisting with Shami in their setup for IPL 2026.
4. Rahul Chahar – Almost Invisible in IPL 2025
Bought for ₹3.20 crore, leg-spinner Rahul Chahar barely got a chance in SRH’s campaign, playing just 1 match and bowling a solitary over throughout the season.
While his career stats of 75 wickets in 79 matches with an economy of 7.72 show he’s capable, the management’s reluctance to use him points towards a possible release ahead of the next auction.
Final Thoughts
SRH’s IPL 2025 campaign was a mix of highs and lows, but going into the IPL 2026 Auction, the management will surely want to optimize their purse.
Releasing underperformers and misfitted players like Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen, Mohammed Shami, and Rahul Chahar could free up significant funds and pave the way for fresh talent.
With a strong core already in place, these tough calls might just help SRH rebuild smarter and come back even stronger in IPL 2026. Fans will be watching closely – because in the IPL, tough decisions today often lead to glorious results tomorrow!