5 IPL 2025 Unsold players who can be picked by SRH in IPL 2026 Auction

The 2025 mega-auction threw up surprises, and many familiar names went unsold, while franchises doubled down on youth and role-specific picks. Sunrisers Hyderabad enter the next auction with a relatively settled core but some clear gaps. An Indian middle-order stabiliser, another domestic finisher, a reliable death bowling option and backup top-order depth. Below are five players who went unsold in IPL 2025 and make strategic sense for SRH in 2026.

1. Prithvi Shaw 

Prithvi Shaw’s power and ability to take the game away in the Powerplay still make him an intriguing buy for a team that wants multiple opening combinations. SRH’s top order in 2025 featured overseas and capped options (Ishan Kishan, Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma), but 

Shaw offers a low-cost domestic route to back up the top three. He might not play as a starter, but he can make a good backup option in case of need. Shaw went unsold at the IPL 2025 auction, so he’d likely still be available at a modest base price, provided his recent domestic form backs the pick.

2. Shardul Thakur 

Shardul’s profile as a seam bowler who can chip in with late-order runs fits the classic SRH need for flexible Indian seamers who can bowl at the death. He was one of the auction surprises in 2025 (unsold), but proved the point that being unsold isn’t the end. 

He seized a replacement opportunity and delivered in the last season. SRH could see him as a budget-smart buy who gives balance and leadership in the bowling group. He has proven to be a match-winner and tends to do stuff that nobody expects can be done in some situations.

3. Mayank Agarwal 

Mayank’s technique and experience against pace make him an obvious fit as a domestic backup batter who can open or slot in at No. 3 when required. He was unsold in the 2025 auction before getting into squads as an injury replacement later. 

This pattern shows that franchises are willing to bring such players back when the need arises. For SRH, adding a seasoned Indian top-order option reduces the pressure on overseas picks during the auction and makes their middle order strong too.

4. Kane Williamson

Williamson’s T20 stock has dipped in auction rooms, but his ability to anchor innings and read situations is timeless. He went unsold in 2025 and has since played elsewhere in franchise leagues. He can offer help in the leadership roles as well, as and when needed by the team in long seasons.

SRH have a history with Williamson and knows what a composed top-order presence looks like. If SRH want a low-risk, high-cricketing-IQ option for certain conditions or for mentoring younger batters, Williamson remains a logical, if somewhat sentimental, candidate.

5. Keshav Maharaj 

Maharaj is a proven red-ball and limited-overs spinner with the skill to extract bounce and flight on helpful surfaces. He brings control, match-ups against left-handers and years of international experience. The team does not have any established spinners in the squad and adding such a match-winner will certainly boost their strength.

He is the kind of overseas spinner who can be a second spin option or the primary spinner on turning tracks. Maharaj was also unsold in 2025. For SRH, he’s a safe, tactical buy to rotate with domestic spinners and to use in specific pitch conditions.

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