The SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH), one of the most exciting franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL), experienced a rollercoaster ride in recent seasons. After a stellar 2024 campaign that saw them reach the IPL final, SRH faced a disappointing 2025 season, finishing sixth in the points table and missing the playoffs. The team’s inconsistent performances, coupled with underwhelming contributions from some high-profile players, have prompted discussions about squad restructuring ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. With a mini-auction on the horizon, SRH’s management will likely make tough decisions to release players who failed to deliver, freeing up funds and squad space to build a more balanced unit. This article explores three players who are likely to be released by SRH ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, analyzing their performances, the team’s strategy, and the potential impact of their release. The players in focus are Mohammed Shami, Wiaan Mulder, and Rahul Chahar, as highlighted in various reports.
Mohammed Shami: A High-Profile Disappointment
Mohammed Shami, one of India’s premier fast bowlers, was acquired by SRH for a hefty INR 10 crore at the IPL 2025 auction, with expectations that he would lead their pace attack. Shami’s reputation as a world-class bowler, evidenced by his stellar performances in the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy, made him a marquee signing. However, his IPL 2025 season was a stark contrast to his international form, raising questions about his suitability for T20 cricket at this stage of his career.
In nine matches for SRH in IPL 2025, Shami managed only six wickets at an average of 56.17 and an economy rate of 11.23. His performances were marred by inconsistency, with expensive spells such as 0/75 against Punjab Kings and 0/48 against Gujarat Titans. Shami struggled to generate the swing and seam movement that made him a formidable force in longer formats, and his pace appeared to be down, limiting his effectiveness in the T20 format. At 35 years old, concerns about his fitness and longevity in the high-intensity IPL environment have surfaced, with reports indicating that he has been plagued by injuries since the 2025 season.
SRH’s bowling unit, led by captain Pat Cummins and supported by Harshal Patel, showed promise in parts but lacked consistency. Shami’s inability to provide breakthroughs, especially in the powerplay and death overs, disrupted the team’s bowling balance. The emergence of younger pacers like Eshan Malinga, who took 13 wickets in seven matches, further diminished Shami’s role in the squad. Releasing Shami would free up INR 10 crore, allowing SRH to invest in a younger, more dynamic fast bowler who can complement Cummins and Patel. While Shami’s experience and skill are undeniable, his recent T20 performances and injury concerns make his release a logical step for SRH as they aim to rebuild their bowling attack for IPL 2026.
Wiaan Mulder: A Misfit in the T20 Setup
Wiaan Mulder, the South African all-rounder, was signed as a replacement player for SRH in IPL 2025 after Brydon Carse’s injury. However, Mulder’s stint with the franchise was brief and unimpactful, making him a prime candidate for release ahead of the 2026 auction. Mulder featured in just one match, failing to make a significant contribution with either bat or ball. His limited role in the team and lack of T20 pedigree have led to speculation that SRH will let him go to free up an overseas slot.
Mulder’s skill set, while promising in Test cricket, does not align well with the demands of the IPL. His bowling lacks the variety and pace required to be a frontline option in T20s, and his batting, while steady, does not offer the explosive power that SRH’s top-heavy batting lineup needs. With overseas stars like Heinrich Klaasen, Travis Head, Pat Cummins, and Kamindu Mendis already occupying key roles, SRH’s overseas slots are highly competitive. Mulder’s solitary appearance and minimal impact make it unlikely that he will be retained, especially when the team could use the slot to target a specialist T20 all-rounder or a more dynamic bowler.
The decision to release Mulder is also driven by SRH’s need to address their overseas player strategy. The team’s core overseas contingent—Klaasen, Head, Cummins, and potentially Mendis or Malinga—offers a strong foundation, but Mulder’s skill set overlaps with players like Kamindu Mendis, who provides more versatility as an all-rounder. Releasing Mulder would not only free up an overseas slot but also allow SRH to pursue players who better fit their T20 blueprint. Given his limited impact and the team’s strategic priorities, Mulder’s release seems inevitable as SRH looks to strengthen their squad for IPL 2026.
Rahul Chahar: A Costly Underperformer
Rahul Chahar, once considered a rising star in India’s T20 spin bowling ranks, was another high-profile acquisition for SRH in the IPL 2025 auction, signed for INR 3.2 crore. However, his performance in the 2025 season was lackluster, as he played only one match and failed to make an impact. With SRH’s spin bowling department struggling, Chahar’s inability to secure a regular spot in the playing XI has put his future with the franchise in doubt.
Chahar’s solitary appearance in IPL 2025 saw him go wicketless, conceding runs at an economy rate of 9.00. The emergence of Zeeshan Ansari, who impressed with his control and variations, overshadowed Chahar’s contributions, relegating him to the bench for most of the season. Chahar’s decline in form, both in the IPL and domestically, has been stark, especially considering his earlier promise as a leg-spinner who could succeed Yuzvendra Chahal in India’s T20 setup. His high price tag and lack of game time make him a prime candidate for release, as SRH looks to free up funds and squad space for a more effective spinner.
SRH’s spin bowling woes in IPL 2025 were compounded by Adam Zampa’s injury and limited appearances, leaving the team reliant on Ansari and part-time spinners like Abhishek Sharma. Releasing Chahar would allow SRH to pursue a more reliable spin bowling option, either through the auction or by promoting a domestic talent. The INR 3.2 crore saved from his release could be used to bolster other areas of the squad, such as a middle-order batter or a death-overs specialist. Chahar’s release would also align with SRH’s broader strategy of prioritizing players who can deliver consistent performances in high-pressure situations.
Strategic Implications for SRH
The potential release of Mohammed Shami, Wiaan Mulder, and Rahul Chahar reflects SRH’s intent to address the shortcomings exposed in IPL 2025. The team’s sixth-place finish, despite a strong core of retained players like Heinrich Klaasen, Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Pat Cummins, highlighted the need for better balance across departments. SRH’s batting, led by Klaasen’s 487 runs and Head’s 374 runs, remained a strength, but their bowling unit struggled for consistency, particularly in the absence of reliable spinners and impactful pacers beyond Cummins and Patel.
Releasing Shami, Mulder, and Chahar would free up approximately INR 13.2 crore, providing SRH with significant financial flexibility at the IPL 2026 mini-auction. This purse could be used to target a top-tier fast bowler to complement Cummins, a specialist spinner to strengthen the middle overs, or a versatile all-rounder to add depth. Additionally, the release of Mulder would open up an overseas slot, allowing SRH to pursue international talent that better suits their T20 strategy, such as a power-hitting batter or a death-overs specialist.
SRH’s management, under the guidance of head coach Daniel Vettori and newly appointed bowling coach Varun Aaron, will likely focus on building a squad that can compete in all phases of the game. The team’s 2024 success was built on aggressive batting and a balanced bowling attack, but the 2025 season exposed vulnerabilities that need addressing. By releasing underperforming players, SRH can refine their squad composition and target players who align with their vision of reclaiming the IPL title, last won in 2016.
The Bigger Picture: SRH’s Path Forward
The decision to release high-profile players like Shami, Mulder, and Chahar is not without risks. Shami’s experience and pedigree could still attract interest from other franchises, and his potential return to form could haunt SRH in future seasons. Similarly, Chahar’s youth and past performances suggest he could rediscover his form elsewhere. However, SRH’s focus must be on optimizing their squad for the present and immediate future, rather than banking on potential turnarounds from players who underperformed in 2025.
The emergence of players like Eshan Malinga and Zeeshan Ansari provides SRH with a foundation to build upon. Malinga’s 13 wickets in seven matches and Ansari’s control in the middle overs indicate that SRH has viable alternatives to replace Shami and Chahar. The team’s core, including Klaasen, Head, Sharma, Reddy, and Cummins, remains intact, offering stability and firepower. By strategically releasing players who no longer fit their plans, SRH can address gaps in their squad and position themselves as genuine title contenders in IPL 2026.
Looking Ahead
As the IPL 2026 mini-auction approaches, SunRisers Hyderabad face critical decisions to reshape their squad after a disappointing 2025 season. The likely release of Mohammed Shami, Wiaan Mulder, and Rahul Chahar reflects the franchise’s commitment to addressing underperformance and building a more balanced team. Shami’s high cost and poor returns, Mulder’s lack of T20 impact, and Chahar’s limited game time make them expendable in a squad brimming with potential. By freeing up funds and overseas slots, SRH can target players who align with their aggressive, title-chasing vision. With a strong core and strategic additions, the Orange Army will aim to reclaim their place among the IPL’s elite in 2026.
