IPL 2026 auction: Top players SRH should target to strengthen their squad
According to many cricket experts, the flat track at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad worked against the home team as SRH failed to take advantage of the usual conditions. While the opposition teams made better use of the surface, their batting line-ups floundered at crucial moments. Meanwhile, SRH’s bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs. As a result, the franchise released seven players ahead of the mini-auction. One of the biggest surprises was the trade of veteran campaigner Mohammed Shami to Lucknow Super Giants. Other notable names released included Adam Zampa and Rahul Chahar.
SRH enters the auction with a healthy purse of ₹25.5 crore but has 10 slots to fill. It will be interesting to see how the team management identifies the right bowlers and ensures the ideal balance in the squad. Here’s a look at the players SRH could target in the mini-auction:
Matheesha Pathirana
One of SRH’s biggest weaknesses last season was death bowling and Matheesha Pathirana could be the solution. The Sri Lankan is known as a death specialist who can trouble the best batsmen with his snipes and twisted moves. Over the years, SRH have lost several close games due to their inability to stop the flow of runs in the finals. Pathirana can fill that gap, lead the attack and relieve the pressure at crucial moments.
Cameron Green
The tall Australian is one of the most explosive batsmen in the game and can destroy any bowling attack. Although Green is an all-round bowler, he entered this auction as a complete batsman. With his proven performance and wide batting range, he can significantly strengthen SRH’s batting line-up. Green can balance the middle order, finish the innings strongly or step up when required. Additionally, it gives skipper Pat Cummins more flexibility by offering the option to bowl multiple overs.
Ravi Bishnoi
It is imperative that SRH find a quality spinner who can both contain runs and take wickets in the key stages. With the franchise launching both Adam Zampa and Rahul Chahar, Bishnoi could be an ideal alternative. The 25-year-old has proven his credentials in the IPL by picking up 72 wickets in 77 matches at an economy rate of 8.21 (respectable by T20 standards). Given his skill set, Bishnoi is likely to attract interest from multiple teams, setting the stage for a competitive bidding war.
David Miller
SRH already boast two of the most explosive T20 batsmen in Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head and are at the top of the order. However, the addition of an experienced and devastating middle-order batsman can further strengthen the squad. South Africa’s David Miller fits this role perfectly. Able to bat at No. 4 or 5, Miller can finish matches under pressure or bring composure and firepower in equal measure by playing big innings in death overs.
