“Big question mark on Pat Cummins” - AB de Villiers opens up on SRH’s retentions and releases ahead of IPL 2026 mini-auction

AB de Villiers expressed concern about SRH captain Pat Cummins' fitness for IPL 2026 after the Ashes, saying there is a "Big question mark on Pat Cummins." He noted that SRH needs more bowling firepower after trading Mohammed Shami but still has a strong core and "no real reason to panic" with a ₹25.5 Cr purse.

By Jack 20 Nov 2025 in Cricket

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Former South African cricketer and analyst AB de Villiers has opened up on the Sunrisers Hyderabad’s retentions and releases ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction, scheduled to take place in December 2025.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Mr. 360 asserted that there would be a big question mark on the SRH captain Pat Cummins’ participation in the IPL 2026 season after taking part in the Ashes 2025-26 campaign.

"They've kept some of their key players. Big question mark on Pat Cummins. Will he be ready after the Ashes? Will he be fresh and fit? With Shami gone, they will need some experience and firepower with the ball in there. They've played some decent cricket but ran out of steam. They've kept a decent bulk and no real reason to panic, I believe," AB de Villiers said on his YouTube channel.

Notably, SRH retained a total of 15 players, including six overseas stars. They have a purse remaining of 25.5 Crore ahead of the mini-auction. Interestingly, they had traded their ace pacer Mohammed Shami to the Lucknow Super Giants for INR 10 Crore.

Furthermore, AB also backed the veteran pacer Shami, who is in the fag end of his career, to do well for the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL 2026 season, adding that it would be a good signing by the franchise.

"I think Shami will be a win. Even though he is in the back end of his career, we know he loves the pressure. He can be consistent and bowls wicket to wicket. I think he will be really good at the wicket there. A good signing there I believe. I'm not incredibly excited about the bulk of the team. They've got some work to do at the auction. Not bad players but I don't think it is a tournament-winning retention group. Nothing that makes me feel like they will go all the way so they will have to be smart at the auction," he added.

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