Sunrisers Hyderabad‘s Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season has spiraled into a major disappointment. Their 38-run loss to Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad marked their seventh defeat in 10 matches, leaving them languishing at ninth place on the points table with only six points.

With just four games left, SRH are mathematically still in contention, but their playoff hopes hinge on an unlikely combination of consecutive wins and favorable results elsewhere. A net run rate deficit and inconsistent performances mean only a miracle can revive their season. The Pat Cummins-led side, despite showing glimpses of brilliance, has failed to click as a unit. This underwhelming campaign is expected to spark significant changes in squad structure ahead of IPL 2026, especially with underperforming big names failing to justify their hefty price tags.

5 players SRH should release from their current IPL squad

1. Ishan Kishan

Ishan kishan‘s journey in IPL 2025 has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. Bought by SRH for a massive INR 11.25 crore, Kishan looked like a game-changing acquisition on paper. He started his season with a blazing century against Rajasthan Royalsreigniting hopes of a consistent top-order performer. However, what followed has been a steep and unexpected decline. In the next eight innings, Kishan managed only 76 runs, failing to cross the 20-run mark in seven of those games.

His recent outing against Gujarat Titans was particularly telling. He scored just 13 runs off 17 balls, playing a nervy and unconvincing knock at a strike rate of 76.47, before falling to a mistimed top edge off Gerald Coetzee. The fact that Kishan has crossed double digits only twice after his century underlines the depth of his slump. His inconsistency has turned him from an asset into a liability for SRH’s top order. If Kishan doesn’t deliver something extraordinary in the remaining matches, the franchise may release him before the mini-auction, freeing up a crucial chunk of the purse.

2. Adam Zampa

Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa was another high-profile recruit for Sunrisers Hyderabad this season, purchased at INR 2.4 crore. SRH had hoped that Zampa’s white-ball expertise would give them control in the middle overs, especially given his impressive T20 record for Australia.

However, the move failed to bear fruit. In the first two matches he played, Zampa was expensive and ineffective, conceding a total of 94 runs in 8 overs while picking up just two wickets. His lines and lengths lacked bite on Indian surfaces, and he was quickly targeted by opposition batters. Unfortunately for both Zampa and SRH, the spinner suffered an injury setback shortly after and was ruled out of the remainder of the tournament. His release could allow SRH to explore a different overseas combination more tailored to subcontinent conditions.

3. Mohammed Shami

One of the most surprising failures of SRH’s 2025 campaign has been Mohammed Shamiarguably one of India’s premier fast bowlers in white-ball cricket. Acquired for a hefty INR 10 crore at the auction, expectations were sky-high that Shami would lead the pace attack and deliver in crunch moments. However, what unfolded was a season marred by inconsistency, lack of penetration, and fitness concerns. In eight matches, Shami has managed to pick up just six wickets, averaging 48.16 per dismissal. More worryingly, he has been leaking runs at 10.70 runs per over, a figure uncharacteristic of his usually accurate and disciplined bowling style.

Considering his age and workload, along with the urgent need for SRH to revamp their bowling core, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the franchise decides to part ways with him before IPL 2026. Releasing Shami would also allow them to re-invest in younger Indian pacers or international death-over specialists who could bring more value.

4. Simarjeet Singh

SRH’s pace department has been under immense pressure this season, and Simarjeet Singh, who was brought in as a supporting seamer, hasn’t been able to justify his selection. The right-arm quick featured in 4 matches, bowling 60 deliveries (10 overs) across these games, but could only pick up 2 wickets. His best performance, 2/46, came in a high-scoring contest, but overall, he’s conceded 141 runs, returning a poor bowling average of 70.50 and a strike rate of 30.00. His economy rate of 14.10 is among the worst for any bowler this season. With such underwhelming stats and no signs of being a long-term asset, SRH may consider releasing Simarjeet in order to scout a younger Indian pacer who can bring better control and economy under pressure.

5. Abhinav Manohar

In the batting department, Abhinav manohar has struggled to find consistency and failed to make any significant contribution in the limited opportunities he received. In 5 matches this season, Manohar batted in 4 innings, aggregating just 49 runs, with a highest score of 43. That knock, while promising, turned out to be an anomaly rather than a sign of momentum. His batting average of 12.25 and a strike rate of 98.00 highlight his inability to accelerate or hold the innings under pressure.

Despite his reputation for power-hitting and flair, Manohar’s performance has included one duck, just 2 boundaries, and 3 sixes, indicating limited control and effectiveness. With no half-centuries to his name and minimal contributions when SRH needed middle-order stability, the management may opt to release Manohar ahead of the 2026 mini-auction, freeing up space for a more reliable domestic batter who can handle spin and pace with equal composure.

The road ahead for Sunrisers Hyderabad: Fixtures & final opportunities

Despite the gloom, SRH have four matches left in IPL 2025, providing a final opportunity for players to redeem themselves. Their next clash is against Delhi Capitals on May 5 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, followed by a tough challenge against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders at the same venue on May 10. They then travel to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on May 13, before wrapping up their campaign against Lucknow Super Giants on May 18 in Lucknow. These games could prove decisive not just for playoff hopes, but also for the future contracts of many underperforming stars.