Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are expected to retain key players such as Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen, Travis Head, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Pat Cummins for IPL 2027. The franchise is likely to maintain its explosive batting core while strengthening its bowling attack ahead of the mini auction. However, SRH have not officially announced their final retention list, and the names below are predictions based on squad performances, player roles and recent developments.
SRH finished third in the IPL 2026 league stage before losing to Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator. Their batting unit delivered several impressive performances, while young fast bowlers also emerged as important options. The franchise will now need to decide which players deserve another season and where changes are required.
SRH Retained Players 2027 List (Expected)
Here is the predicted list of players Sunrisers Hyderabad could retain ahead of the IPL 2027 mini auction.
| Player | Role | Expected Status |
|---|---|---|
| Abhishek Sharma | Opening Batter | Likely to Retain |
| Travis Head | Opening Batter | Likely to Retain |
| Ishan Kishan | Wicketkeeper-Batter | Likely to Retain |
| Heinrich Klaasen | Wicketkeeper-Batter | Likely to Retain |
| Nitish Kumar Reddy | All-rounder | Likely to Retain |
| Pat Cummins | Fast Bowler | Availability Uncertain |
| Eshan Malinga | Fast Bowler | Likely to Retain |
| T Natarajan | Fast Bowler | Likely to Retain |
| Aniket Verma | Batter | Likely to Retain |
| Salil Arora | Wicketkeeper-Batter | Possible Retention |
| Harsh Dubey | All-rounder | Possible Retention |
| Shivang Kumar | All-rounder | Likely to Retain |
| Sakib Hussain | Fast Bowler | Likely to Retain |
| Praful Hinge | Fast Bowler | Likely to Retain |
| Ravichandran Smaran | Batter | Possible Retention |
Note: This is an expected retention list, not an official announcement. Player availability, fitness, performances and possible trades could change SRH’s final decisions.
Which Players Are SRH Likely to Retain for IPL 2027?
1. Abhishek Sharma
Abhishek Sharma is expected to be one of SRH’s most important retention choices. The left-handed opener has become a key part of the franchise’s aggressive batting approach and can change the momentum of a match during the powerplay.
He scored 563 runs in IPL 2026 at a strike rate above 200, making him one of the team’s leading performers. His ability to contribute with occasional left-arm spin adds further value.
There have been reports about Abhishek’s possible dissatisfaction with the captaincy situation, but SRH CEO K. Shanmugam reportedly dismissed those claims. No official trade request or departure has been confirmed. Abhishek therefore remains a strong retention candidate.
2. Ishan Kishan
Ishan Kishan is another player SRH are expected to retain. The wicketkeeper-batter delivered an impressive IPL 2026 campaign, scoring 602 runs and providing aggressive starts in the top order.
He also took on the captaincy responsibilities during Pat Cummins’ absence, leading the side in the opening part of the season. His batting, wicketkeeping and leadership experience make him an important player for SRH.
With the franchise looking to maintain its Indian batting core, Kishan is unlikely to be released.
3. Heinrich Klaasen
Heinrich Klaasen, whose name is sometimes misspelled as Henrich Klassen, is expected to be one of SRH’s safest overseas retentions.
The South African wicketkeeper-batter scored 624 runs in IPL 2026 and finished among the leading run-scorers. His ability to attack spin and pace makes him one of the most dangerous middle-order batters in the competition.
Klaasen’s finishing ability is difficult to replace, particularly in a mini auction. Despite his high salary, SRH are expected to retain him as a central part of their batting lineup.
4. Travis Head
Travis Head is likely to continue as an important part of SRH’s opening combination. His aggressive approach complements Abhishek Sharma and allows the team to put pressure on opposition bowlers from the beginning.
Head scored 410 runs in IPL 2026 and remained an important overseas batter for the franchise. Breaking up the opening combination would be a major decision, so his retention looks likely.
5. Nitish Kumar Reddy
Nitish Kumar Reddy is expected to remain part of SRH’s long-term plans. The Indian all-rounder offers batting depth and provides an additional pace-bowling option.
He scored 302 runs and picked up eight wickets in IPL 2026, giving the franchise useful contributions in both departments.
His fitness will be important after his injury concerns earlier in 2026. Read our report on Nitish Kumar Reddy’s injury and replacement update.
6. Pat Cummins
Pat Cummins is one of the biggest questions in SRH’s retention plans. The Australian fast bowler has been an important leader and a key part of the team’s bowling attack.
However, his availability for IPL 2027 remains uncertain because of Australia’s international schedule and workload considerations. SRH may retain his contract while waiting for clarity about his participation.
If Cummins is unavailable, Ishan Kishan could again become an important leadership option for the franchise.
7. Eshan Malinga
Eshan Malinga has emerged as a valuable fast-bowling option for SRH. His performances in IPL 2026 strengthened his position in the squad, and he is expected to remain part of the team’s overseas pace attack.
He picked up 20 wickets during the season, making him one of the leading wicket-takers for the franchise. His ability to bowl at different stages of an innings gives SRH another reliable option.
8. T Natarajan
T Natarajan could be an important retention after returning to Sunrisers Hyderabad through a reported trade in October 2026.
The left-arm fast bowler previously enjoyed successful seasons with SRH and offers experience in the powerplay and death overs. His ability to bowl accurate yorkers could help address one of the team’s important requirements.
9. Sakib Hussain and Praful Hinge
Sakib Hussain and Praful Hinge could both remain part of SRH’s future bowling plans. Their performances in IPL 2026 gave the franchise encouraging options among its younger Indian fast bowlers.
Both impressed with wicket-taking performances, including four-wicket hauls on debut. Retaining young bowlers who have already demonstrated their potential could help SRH maintain bowling depth.
Will SRH Retain Harsh Dubey, Shivang Kumar and Aniket Verma?
SRH have several young Indian players who could be retained for IPL 2027.
Aniket Verma offers middle-order power, while Harsh Dubey provides a spin-bowling all-round option. Shivang Kumar has also strengthened his case with useful performances and contributions with the ball.
Salil Arora could remain as a wicketkeeping option behind Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen. Ravichandran Smaran is another young batter who may receive another opportunity, although his retention is less certain.
Which Players Could SRH Release Before IPL 2027?
SRH may consider releasing players who struggled to secure regular opportunities, delivered inconsistent performances or faced recurring injury concerns.
| Player | Possible Reason for Release |
|---|---|
| Liam Livingstone | Limited impact and high salary |
| Harshal Patel | Inconsistent wicket-taking returns |
| Brydon Carse | Injury and availability concerns |
| Jack Edwards | Limited availability |
| Gerald Coetzee | Overseas bowling combination |
| David Payne | Competition for overseas pace slots |
| Dilshan Madushanka | Overseas squad balance |
| Kamindu Mendis | Limited playing opportunities |
| Shivam Mavi | Fitness and availability |
| Jaydev Unadkat | Bowling consistency and squad requirements |
These are possible release candidates, not confirmed departures. SRH may also explore player trades to strengthen specific departments before the auction.
What Does SRH Need Before the IPL 2027 Auction?
SRH already have a strong batting core, but their bowling department could require further attention.
- Death bowling: Find reliable options who can execute yorkers and slower deliveries under pressure.
- Indian fast bowling: Add another experienced domestic fast bowler.
- Spin bowling: Strengthen the spin department with a frontline wicket-taking option.
- Overseas balance: Choose overseas players who can make a consistent contribution.
- Batting backup: Add another dependable middle-order batter as cover for the main players.
The franchise will need to use its auction purse carefully rather than making unnecessary changes to an established batting lineup.
Who Could Captain Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2027?
Pat Cummins remains an important leadership option for SRH, but his availability for the 2027 season is uncertain.
Ishan Kishan could be considered for the captaincy if Cummins is unavailable. Kishan already led the side during the opening part of IPL 2026, giving him some experience in the role.
Abhishek Sharma has also been discussed in reports surrounding the captaincy situation, although SRH have dismissed claims of a dispute. The franchise has not officially confirmed its IPL 2027 captain.
When Will SRH Announce Their Retained Players for IPL 2027?
Sunrisers Hyderabad will announce their final retention list after submitting the required details to the IPL authorities.
The reported retention deadline is November 15, 2026, while the IPL 2027 mini auction is reportedly scheduled for December 16, 2026, in Goa. These dates should be treated as reported details until formally confirmed.
Also Read: IPL 2027 Start Date Revealed: Expected Date, Teams and Player Trade Updates
IPL 2027 Expected Retention Lists of Other Teams
SRH will be among several franchises looking to maintain their strongest players ahead of the mini auction. Other teams are also expected to retain their core players while addressing specific squad weaknesses.
You can also check the expected retention plans of Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals.
FAQs
1. Has SRH announced its retained players list for IPL 2027?
No. Sunrisers Hyderabad have not officially announced their final retained players list for IPL 2027. The names in this article are predictions.
2. Will Abhishek Sharma be retained by SRH?
Abhishek Sharma is expected to be one of SRH’s top retention choices because of his explosive batting and importance to the opening combination.
3. Will Ishan Kishan stay with SRH in IPL 2027?
Ishan Kishan is expected to be retained after his impressive batting performances and leadership contributions during IPL 2026.
4. Will Heinrich Klaasen be retained by SRH?
Yes, Heinrich Klaasen is expected to be one of the safest overseas retentions because of his middle-order batting and wicketkeeping abilities.
5. Will Pat Cummins play IPL 2027?
His availability remains uncertain because of Australia’s international schedule and workload management. SRH’s final decision will depend on his fitness and availability.
6. Who could captain SRH in IPL 2027?
Pat Cummins remains an option if available. Ishan Kishan could also be considered after leading the side during the opening part of IPL 2026. No official captaincy announcement has been made.
7. When is the IPL 2027 mini auction?
The IPL 2027 mini auction is reportedly scheduled for December 16, 2026, in Goa. The date remains subject to official confirmation.
Final Thoughts
Sunrisers Hyderabad are expected to retain their powerful batting core, with Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen and Travis Head among the leading candidates. Nitish Kumar Reddy, Eshan Malinga, T Natarajan and the young Indian fast bowlers could also remain important parts of the squad.
The biggest questions surround Pat Cummins’ availability, the team’s captaincy plans and the players who could be released to create additional auction funds. SRH are unlikely to rebuild their batting lineup, but strengthening the bowling department could be a major priority.
The final retention list could differ from these predictions. We will update this article when Sunrisers Hyderabad officially announce their retained and released players for IPL 2027.
Disclaimer: This article contains expected retention and release predictions based on available information. The final list will be confirmed only through an official announcement from Sunrisers Hyderabad or the IPL.
