Ahead of the crucial IPL 2026 player retention deadline, SRH Hyderabad (SRH) franchise created a buzz on social media with a cryptic post featuring wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan. This came amidst rampant rumors that the team was considering releasing him before the upcoming mini-auction.
SRH indirectly confirms Ishan Kishan's retention amidst speculation
However, SRH quickly put the speculation to rest by officially confirming Kishan's retention for the upcoming season. They announced the decision via a 19-second video shared on X (formerly Twitter), captioned simply with, "Orange looks 24K on him." The video showed Kishan donning the orange training kit, and the official confirmation was met with relief and excitement by the franchise's fanbase following weeks of uncertainty and reported interest from rival franchises.
The confirmation of Kishan's retention is part of a larger plan to rebuild the squad following a disappointing IPL 2025 campaign. SunRisers Hyderabad, who had set high expectations after reaching the final in 2024, struggled significantly for consistency last season. The Pat Cummins-led side ultimately finished sixth in the ten-team points table. Consequently, SRH is expected to make numerous high-profile changes across departments as they seek a more balanced and effective team combination for IPL 2026.
SRH likely to trim high-priced players
As part of this rebuilding process, SRH are likely to part ways with several high-priced players. The performance of the bowling unit, in particular, came under heavy scrutiny last season after failing to deliver consistent results. Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami, who was signed for a significant sum, struggled to make the expected impact, which has fueled speculation that SRH may release or trade him ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction. The franchise is expected to announce more key player releases before the retention deadline.
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How did Ishan Kishan fare for SRH?
After a seven-year stint with the Mumbai Indians (MI), wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan was released prior to the IPL 2025 mega auction, where he instantly became a highly desirable commodity. The SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) successfully secured his services for a hefty price of Rs 11.25 crore, intending to solidify their top-order batting. Kishan got off to a sensational start with his new franchise, single-handedly dominating SRH's opening match against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, where he smashed an unbeaten 106 runs off just 47 balls. Despite this explosive beginning, Kishan's form eventually declined, and he struggled to maintain that initial level of impact throughout the season.
By the end of the IPL 2025 campaign, Kishan had accumulated 354 runs in 13 innings, maintaining a respectable average of 35.40 and a quick strike rate of 152.58. However, his individual efforts were not enough to propel SRH into the knockout stages, as the team failed to reach the playoffs and finished sixth in the league standings. Despite the team's overall struggle, Kishan's stock remains high in the IPL trade market. A report by The Times of India revealed that SRH received trade inquiries for the left-hander from at least three major franchises: his former team, the Mumbai Indians, along with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and the Rajasthan Royals (RR).
Why Kishan is a highly sought-after ssset?
The interest in Kishan stems from his rare and valuable combination of skills, making him a crucial long-term asset. He is a capable opener, a wicketkeeper, and, crucially for team balance, he is an Indian player who can effectively free up an overseas slot in the playing XI. The Mumbai Indians, despite releasing him earlier, reportedly engaged in initial discussions about bringing him back, though no final agreement was reached. Both KKR and RR also explored options for a potential trade or an all-cash deal for the player. Ultimately, while there is significant interest, any movement for Kishan before the upcoming mini-auction remains contingent upon successful negotiations with SRH management.