IPL 2025: 5 SRH players who didn't do well, but can be retained for IPL 2026

A gruelling IPL season usually gives way to a comeback, and Sunrisers Hyderabad suffered its brunt in 2025. One dismal season, however, does not wash away pedigree and potential. These are five SRH cricketers with talent and well-delineated roles for whom a case for retention before IPL 2026 can be strongly made based on underwhelming IPL 2025 performances.

1. Mohammed Shami

Drafted to lead the pace battery, Shami delivered only 6 wickets in 9 games at an eye-popping economy rate of well over 11.23, with a bowling average of 56.16. His signature reverse-swing and toe-crushing yorkers were dulled on flat surfaces, and rivals used to score freely against him.

A bowler of Shami’s calibre shouldn’t be judged on run-fest surfaces alone. He remains one of the world’s premier death-over specialists and has repeatedly delivered for India under pressure. With tailored seam-position drills, adjusted bowling phases that protect him from unresponsive tracks, and scheduled rest, Shami can rediscover the control that won teams key games in previous seasons.

2. Travis Head

Head amassed 374 runs in 12 innings at a robust 162.60 strike rate with three fifties. But he kept getting starts (20s and 30s) without being able to convert them into big match-winning innings, leaving Hyderabad's middle order under pressure.

Head's combination of brutal strength and quick hand-eye coordination is not common. Elsewhere in the other T20 leagues, he's a genuine match-winner who can take down bowling attacks. Allowing him more time at the crease could turn those 30s into 70s, giving the consistency SRH desperately needs at the top of the order.

3. Rahul Chahar 

Chahar had a rough season, playing a single match and that too, bowling just a single over in it. He was not so bad that day and gave away just nine runs, without being asked to return, either in that game or later on in other games.

At just 25, Chahar still has years ahead and has previously proven his worth in the IPL. His leg-spin can be effective in the middle overs, especially on pitches that grip. SRH might consider backing him with better matchups and clearer tactical plans. Given his skill set, he remains a smart long-term investment, especially with a lack of quality Indian wrist-spinners available.

4. Ishan Kishan

SRH's star batsman burst on debut with 106 * off 47 balls, but thereafter scored only 248 runs in 13 innings at 35.40 and a strike rate of 152.58, getting multiple starts but not getting the desired results out of it.

Ishan's IPL-record century on debut suggested his potential for destruction. His technical adequacy against both pace and spin makes him a commodity in short supply. One lean patch, especially after such a scintillating beginning, can't define his potential. With better batting zones and mental conditioning assistance to cope with the post-century glare, Kishan can translate starts into steady match-winning innings.

5. Nitish Kumar Reddy

Used as a standby finisher, Reddy made 182 runs at an average of 22.75 with a strike rate of 118.95 in 11 innings without a fifty and did not bowl as much as he is a part-time all-rounder.

Reddy's unique package of skilful batting and part-time off-breaks peaks at 23. His role of stabilising the innings more frequently than not pushed him to bat under pressure, which took away from his freedom. By playing him lower down and bringing back his bowling in overs five to seven, SRH can release his all-round potential and tap the runs and wickets his price was worth.

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