Sunrisers Hyderabad’s resurgence was bang on in the 2024 edition of the IPL when the revamped side, led by Pat Cummins, made waves throughout the journey, where they fell to Kolkata Knight Riders in the title clash. However, the side failed to replicate the same magic in 2025, finishing 6th in the standings with 13 points. Their pure attacking intent didn’t click this time, as their hyped players, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan, and Nitish Kumar Reddy, didn’t deliver to expectations. Even the bowling was subpar on most occasions.
From all of us, thank you, #OrangeArmy! 🧡#PlayWithFire | #TATAIPL2025 pic.twitter.com/whqHj29RXk
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) May 26, 2025
With the 18th edition of the IPL now complete, the focus shifts to the forthcoming auction, and Orange Army fans will be wondering who will make the 2026 SRH retained list? The 2025 SRH best players will cut into the list, here’s our opinions.
2025 SRH Best Players：2026 Retention Front-Runners
1. Heinrich Klaasen – Proteas Big hitting monster
There is a reason why SRH management retained big-hitting Heinrich Klaasen for a whopping Rs 23 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. The Proteas power hitter fully met expectations, finishing as the leading run-scorer for the franchise with a total of 487 runs at a strike rate of 172.69. He remarkably ended the IPL 2025 with a scintillating 105* off 39 balls against Kolkata Knight Riders. Notably, this was only his second century in the IPL.
Heinrich 𝟏𝐊laasen 💥
Heinrich Klaasen | #PlayWithFire | #SRHvRR | #TATAIPL2025 pic.twitter.com/gmmsrLsvBR
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) March 24, 2025
Throughout the entire IPL 2025, he smashed 42 fours and 25 sixes. The 33-year-old was consistent all season, with only one single-digit score in his 13 innings. Following another impressive season with the bat, Klaasen will surely be recognised among the 2025 SRH best players. Without any doubt, he will also be on the 2026 SRH retained list.
2. Abhishek Sharma – Trailblazer
Abhishek Sharma’s entry into the SRH camp is quite an interesting story. He started his IPL career in 2018 with the Delhi Capitals, right after the success of the U19 World Cup, where he had limited exposure with just three appearances during the entire season. He was one of the 3 players traded from Delhi Capitals to Sunrisers Hyderabad in a deal involving Shikhar Dhawan.
Ate and 𝐥𝐞𝐟𝐭 no crumbs this season💥
Abhishek Sharma | #PlayWithFire | #TATAIPL2025 pic.twitter.com/8jElVFk44t
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) May 30, 2025
Abhishek wasn’t a regular starter in his first 3 years with the franchise and had to wait for his chances. His moment finally arrived in 2022 when he seized the opportunity, finishing the season with an aggregate of 426 runs, the most for the team. This season also marked the beginning of Abhishek Sharma’s role as a full-fledged opener. He struggled to replicate the same success in 2023, making 226 runs in 11 innings.
An innings of pure fire and finesse 🔥✨
Abhishek Sharma | #PlayWithFire | #LSGvSRH | #TATAIPL2025 pic.twitter.com/glsETNGhMU
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) May 19, 2025
He was retained by SRH for Rs 6.5 crore and completely changed the dynamics of the franchise alongside Travis Head. The Amritsar-born cricketer scored 484 runs in 16 innings at an astonishing strike rate of 204.21. He nearly achieved a similar feat the following season, accumulating 439 runs at a strike rate of 193.39. After finishing the season with the second-most runs for the franchise, he stands among the 2025 SRH best players. Abhishek Sharma deserves a spot on the 2026 SRH retained list.
3. Pat Cummins – The Leader
It’s a challenging task for the SRH franchise to replace Pat Cummins as captain. It’s even tougher to find a suitable bowler. He is an inspiring leader with a vision to achieve greater things. The talismanic Aussie paceman was purchased for a hefty sum of Rs 20.5 crore in the 2024 auction and made an immediate impact, leading the side to the final, where they lost to Kolkata Knight Riders.
Golden hour or Pat hour? Either way, it’s a view. ☀️
Pat Cummins | #PlayWithFire | #MIvSRH | #TATAIPL2025 pic.twitter.com/BZjpqKQl8B
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) April 17, 2025
He was retained by SRH for the following season for Rs 18 crore. Despite facing struggles during different phases of the IPL 2025, he ended the competition with a total of 16 wickets from 14 matches at an economy rate of 9.06, with his best figures being 3 for 19. This was his second-best IPL season, after 2024, when he took 18 wickets. The franchise from the South needs a leader like Pat Cummins, and they have no intention of letting him go. He is sure to be on the 2026 SRH retained list.
4. Ishan Kishan – Pocket Dynamo
To strengthen their batting lineup with power hitters, Ishan Kishan was acquired by SRH in the 2025 mega auction for a significant sum of Rs 11.25 crore. This move followed the Jharkhand wicketkeeper-batter not being retained by the Mumbai Indians, where he spent 7 seasons. The 26-year-old’s 2025 IPL began spectacularly as he hit an unbeaten 106* off 47 balls against Rajasthan Royals, marking his first-ever century in the league after debuting in 2016 for Gujarat Lions.
5️⃣0️⃣ up and hungry for more 🦈
Ishan Kishan | #PlayWithFire | #RCBvSRH | #TATAIPL2025 pic.twitter.com/7A3M0KbCxx
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) May 23, 2025
Immediately after the century, Kishan struggled during most of the middle phase and faced the risk of being benched. However, the management backed him, and he finished the season strong with scores of 35, 94*, and 29, with SRH winning all those matches. He concluded the season with 354 runs in 13 innings at an average of 35.4. Given his performance, he has been recognised among the 2025 SRH best players. His chances of being included in the 2026 SRH retained list are high.
Conclusion
With Heinrich Klaasen’s raw power, Abhishek Sharma’s fearless strokeplay, and Ishan Kishan’s aggressive intent at the top, SRH have built a batting core that’s both dynamic and dependable. Add to that Pat Cummins’ composed yet assertive leadership, and you’re looking at a foundation too valuable to let go. It’s not just likely—they’re almost guaranteed to headline the 2026 SRH retained list.
