SRH IPL 2026 auction strategy: 5 squad gaps to fix, top targets and purse

What Sunrisers Hyderabad will look to do in IPL auction. (Photo: BCCI)

On paper, the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) had one of the most formidable looking teams going into the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL). Sadly, that did not result in on-field triumph. SRH was unable to improve upon their 2024 runners-up result and they finished considerably outside of the top four.

However, a fresh year offers fresh optimism. And given their caliber, SRH appears to be well-positioned to demonstrate that 2025 was really an anomaly. However, a mini-auction in Abu Dhabi on December 16 will be the first step toward that, and SRH may need to do some shopping.

Packed with power. Even so, it was a little out of balance. Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma continue to be elite top-order marauders. Heinrich Klaasen, who has retired from international cricket, is still the best middle-order batsman, while Pat Cummins is an inspirational leader despite his current injury problems. Additionally, Nitish Kumar Reddy is now a much more seasoned cricket player.

There is also some promising local batting talent emerging for SRH. Earlier this year, Aniket Verma demonstrated his abilities, and this season, R Smaran, who plays domestic cricket for Karnataka but was unable to play for SRH, has been scoring runs for fun. But there are several obvious flaws in the bowling department.

Also Read | Who buys who and why, decoding IPL 2026 auction plans

During the off-season, Mohammed Shami was traded to the Lucknow Super Giants. Rahul Chahar was also released. They now have two spinners in their ranks: leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari and left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey, who is from Vidarbha and a prolific wicket-taker in red-ball domestic cricket. Jaydev Unadkat and Harshal Patel are trusted to offer expertise on the Indian pace-bowling front.

SRH squad

Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Aniket Verma, R Smaran, Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen, Nitish Reddy, Harsh Dubey, Kamindu Mendis, Harshal Patel, Brydon Carse, Pat Cummins (C), Jaydev Unadkat, Eshan Malinga, Zeeshan Ansari.

IPL 2026 Auction: Potential strategy for SRH

With Rs 25.5 crore, SRH have the third-highest purse; there are ten spots left, two of which are overseas, which should ideally allow them ample leeway. Only the Kolkata Knight Riders, though, have further spots available. This implies that they will also need to exercise caution when spending their money. Basically, mini-auction 101.

SRH needs a spinner, either domestic or foreign. A few Indian pacers won't bother them either. An experienced finisher would also be beneficial to SRH. Nothing compares to his ability to play as an all-rounder.

Another possible factor is Cummins' workload. They should ideally have some extra protection, but with Brydon Carse available, it might not be as important,  especially because there are just two remaining foreign spots.

IPL 2026 Auction: Top targets of SRH

Liam Livingstone: It would be tempting to bring up Cameron Green because nobody wants to miss out on his skill set. However, SRH may find Livingstone to be a more financially feasible choice. Although his IPL stats are not particularly impressive, Livingstone has been in respectable hitting form lately. He can also bowl off-spin and leg-spin, which will strengthen SRH's spin stocks.

It's a completely different story if Livingstone is finally inexpensive. However, SRH will take on their finisher bird and spin-bowling bird with one Livingstone if they manage to close this agreement.

Michael Bracewell: Similar to Livingstone, Bracewell is a combative middle-order batter. Although he primarily bowls off-spin, one may argue that he is superior to Livingstone in that specific suit. Few batters in international cricket strike the ball as cleanly as he does, but his batting, particularly in the IPL, is still mostly untested. Additionally, he might not be as sought after as Livingstone. This implies that SRH could use their funds for other purposes if they are successful in acquiring him.

Ravi Bishnoi: SRH could focus on Indian spinners if they can get either Livingstone or Bracewell at a discount. And Bishnoi has more pedigree than anyone else at this auction. Naturally, that will make him a wanted man and possibly cause him to disappear from SRH's budget.

However, all decks might be cleared for a run at Bishnoi if SRH can afford an overseas all-rounder or if they believe Kamindu Mendis is capable of playing that role for the duration of the season. Additionally, his defensive abilities could be quite useful given how high-scoring the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad typically is.

Wanindu Hasaranga: SRH has previously traveled this path. Specifically, in 2024. Hasaranga was purchased at the basic price of Rs 1.5 crore back then, and it appeared to be a wise purchase. Just as he was recuperating from an injury, the Sri Lankan board decided to remove him.

It's possible that SRH won't want to bet on him once more. However, Hasaranga might be the ideal middle-overs wicket-taker for them if things have changed. He can contribute batting power further down the order in addition to bolstering SRH's spin stocks. As long as SRH believes he is strong enough to play the whole season.

Akash Deep: During the trade window, LSG made a significant splash by acquiring Shami from SRH. However, this meant that Akash Deep, a quick bowler, had to be let go. To be fair to LSG, Akash Deep hasn't yet lit up the IPL stage, and it made sense considering the money they spent for him at the mega auction.

However, it turns out that SRH now requires an Indian pacer, especially one who can take wickets during the powerplay and work with the new ball. Even though his IPL body of work is not as impressive, Akash Deep meets that description. And this might turn out to be a kind of fast-bowling merry-go-round.

Shivam Mavi: Mavi was once thought to be the next big thing in Indian fast bowling. It would be an understatement to suggest that he has slipped their notice. However, he is approaching what are typically regarded as a cricket player's prime years at age 27. Additionally, he might be a financially viable alternative for SRH, and Mavi's career might benefit greatly by sharing the dressing room with Cummins & Co.

Auqib Nabi: In domestic cricket, Nabi, who represents Jammu & Kashmir, has consistently performed well. He averages 21.81 in Twenty20 cricket and less than 20 in red-ball cricket. In the shortest format, his economy rate of 7.74 is likewise generally regarded as acceptable.  However, he has made no appearances in the IPL.

Umran Malik is a prime example of how SRH has historically recruited players from J&K. Another is Parvez Rasool. They will also acquire a neat new-ball bowler in Nabi who is currently developing his abilities and can bowl in various stages. Additionally, he has the ability to deliver a few passionate blows and will be eager to establish his value on the big stage, which should be beneficial.