IPL 2025: 5 costly SRH flops who might not find a buyer next season

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) had a memorable IPL 2024, finishing as runners-up. Naturally, expectations were higher for IPL 2025. However, the team failed to qualify for the playoffs. At one stage, SRH were struggling badly, but they showed glimpses of form toward the end of the tournament and eventually finished sixth on the table with 13 points from 14 games and a net run rate of -0.241.

Despite spending big and retaining top players for high amounts, SRH’s overall performance was disappointing. Heading into IPL 2026, the team management may need to rethink some of their past investments.

Here are 5 costly SRH flops who might not find a buyer in IPL 2026:

Mohammed Shami

SRH spent a hefty INR 10 Crore to bring in veteran pacer Mohammed Shami. He was expected to strengthen the pace attack alongside Pat Cummins and Jaydev Unadkat. However, Shami managed only six wickets in nine innings at a high economy rate of 11.23. At 34, fitness concerns have been rising, and after such a poor season, he might struggle to attract any buyers next year.

Nitish Kumar Reddy

One of SRH’s five retained players ahead of IPL 2025, Nitish Kumar Reddy, was retained for INR 6 Crore. But he failed to live up to expectations. With the bat, he scored only 182 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 118.95. 

With the ball, he picked up just two wickets in three games, conceding runs at 9.40 an over. While it may just be a rare off-season, if he doesn’t perform in domestic cricket or for India in upcoming opportunities, his IPL future could be at risk.

Abhinav Manohar

SRH spent INR 3.20 Crore to sign Abhinav Manohar, despite his base price being just INR 30 Lakh. Known for his power-hitting ability, he was expected to provide quick runs in the lower order. However, in five innings, he scored only 61 runs at an average of 12.20 and a strike rate of 100.00. SRH may look to release him and explore better finishing options for 2026.

Rahul Chahar

Leg-spinner Rahul Chahar was bought for INR 3.20 Crore, but he played only one game. In that match, he bowled a single over, went wicketless, and gave away nine runs. SRH instead opted to back spinners like Zeeshan Ansari, who impressed and is more likely to get regular chances in future seasons.

Simarjeet Singh

Simarjeet Singh, who had prior IPL experience with CSK, was bought by SRH for INR 1.5 Crore. But in four matches, he picked up only two wickets, conceding runs at an economy of 14.10. His performances failed to justify the price tag, and his IPL future now looks uncertain.

Despite the talent and experience in the squad, SRH's failure to qualify for the playoffs raised serious questions about their team strategy. These five underperforming players may find it hard to secure contracts in IPL 2026 unless they show remarkable improvement before the next auction.

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