IPL 2026: 3 players Sunrisers Hyderabad should target in auction

SRH have a total of ten available slots as they step into the IPL 2026 auction.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) will enter the IPL 2026 auction with a purse of INR 25.5 crore. The 2016 champions released seven players ahead of the new season, including two overseas players, Adam Zampa and Wiaan Mulder. SRH have a total of ten available slots, out of which two are for overseas players.

The Sunrisers are required to make significant additions to their spin bowling line-up. The 2016 champions released Adam Zampa and Rahul Chahar, and with their departure, Hyderabad are in dire need of new primary spin bowlers.

Additionally, they might also consider signing an all-rounder and an Indian fast bowler to fill the remaining gaps ahead of the upcoming season. Thus, here are the top three players SRH should target to buy in the IPL 2026 auction.

3. Deepak Hooda

Deepak Hooda has been in decent form recently in domestic cricket. The Chennai Super Kings released him due to poor performance last season. The all-rounder is keen on making his return in the league with a blaze.

Hailing from Rajasthan, Hooda has featured for Hyderabad in four different seasons between 2016 and 2019. The Indian all-rounder was a part of Sunrisers Hyderabad’s title-winning campaign in 2016.

However, despite playing 125 matches in the league for a total of five different teams, Deepak Hooda has never managed to become a top name in the books due to his limited quickfire innings.

His experience can help SRH bloom in the 2026 season. Otherwise, they are also expected to bid for Jammu and Kashmir’s Auqib Nabi.

2. Wanindu Hasaranga

Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru star Wanindu Hasaranga can be a valuable asset to SRH. However, he can only excel in the team as an impact player because Hyderabad appears well-stocked with its four overseas players, who will likely play a majority of matches.

Hasaranga played for the Rajasthan Royals last season; however, he was released ahead of the 2026 auction. The 28-year-old, who made his debut in the league as a replacement for Adam Zampa, has proved himself as a prolific spinner over the years.

He enjoyed his best season in 2022, taking 26 wickets in 16 matches, the most by any RCB player that season. After being released by Bangalore in 2024, he was acquired by SRH for INR 1.5 crore, but he was later forced to miss the tournament due to a chronic heel issue. Thus, if he makes his return to Hyderabad, he’s expected to become a top star as an impact player.

1. Ravi Bishnoi

Sunrisers Hyderabad are expected to focus on signing a wrist spinner, potentially Ravi Bishnoi. The 25-year-old has played 42 T20 internationals for India, bagging 61 wickets with his best figures being 4/13. While showcasing his googly prowess, Bishnoi can also pick up wickets with his fast legbreaks.

The right-arm bowler has been a part of the Indian Premier League since 2020, when he debuted for the Punjab Kings, picking up 14 wickets in his rookie season.

He switched teams in 2022 when he joined Lucknow Super Giants. However, he continued to perform well, taking 13 wickets and guiding LSG to the playoffs.

Since then, Bishnoi has taken 72 wickets in 77 total matches in the league. The 25-year-old is set to be on the priority list of multiple teams, who are seeking a quality spinner with experience of playing at the big stage.

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