5 SRH players who could be axed before IPL 2027

Sunrisers Hyderabad entered IPL 2026 with high hopes after building a strong squad featuring experienced international stars and exciting young players. The team enjoyed a solid league-stage campaign, finishing third with 18 points from 14 matches. However, their journey came to an end after a 47-run defeat to Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator, ending another promising season without a title.

Although SRH had several positives to take from the campaign, not every player lived up to expectations. A few expensive signings struggled for consistency, while others failed to make an impact despite getting opportunities. Their underwhelming performances could force the franchise to make some tough decisions ahead of the next season.

With the IPL 2027 auction approaching, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are expected to reshape their squad and create room in the purse for new additions. Releasing a few underperforming players would allow the franchise to target fresh talent and strengthen key areas. Here are five players SRH could consider releasing before the IPL 2027 auction.

5. Kamindu Mendis

In fifth place, we have Kamindu Mendis. Sunrisers Hyderabad signed the Sri Lankan batting all-rounder for ₹75 lakh, hoping he would add depth and balance to the squad. After showing promise in previous opportunities, Mendis was expected to compete for a place in the playing XI. However, IPL 2026 turned out to be a disappointing campaign for the left-hander as he did not feature in a single match.

Mendis' recent international performances have also been inconsistent. In the T20I series against West Indies, he scored 51, 24 and 20, while in the first Test he managed 0 and 9 and conceded 46 runs with the ball without taking a wicket. Although he has shown flashes of his ability, his recent performances have not been convincing enough to strengthen his case for a regular place in SRH's playing XI.

With other overseas players ahead of him in the pecking order, SRH may decide to release Mendis before the IPL 2027 auction. Although his ₹75 lakh salary is not a major burden, freeing up an overseas slot could help the franchise target a player who better fits their plans. A mutual parting would also give Mendis the opportunity to join a team where he has a better chance of playing regularly.

4. Brydon Carse

Brydon Carse

In the fourth place, we have Brydon Carse. Sunrisers Hyderabad signed the England pace-bowling all-rounder for ₹1 crore at the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, expecting him to strengthen their pace attack. However, injuries prevented him from making any impact. A toe injury ruled him out before the start of the 2025 season, and despite being retained for the same price in IPL 2026, he once again failed to play a single match for the franchise.

As a result, SRH have still not been able to assess Carse's abilities in IPL conditions. While he remains a talented all-rounder with international experience, his repeated injury setbacks have made him an unreliable option. Carrying an overseas player who has missed two consecutive seasons due to injury may not be the best use of a valuable squad spot.

With the IPL 2027 auction approaching, Sunrisers Hyderabad could consider releasing Carse and investing in a fitter overseas fast bowler. Although his ₹1 crore salary is not among the highest in the squad, freeing up an overseas slot would give the franchise greater flexibility to strengthen their pace attack for the new season.

3. Jaydev Unadkat

In third place, we have Jaydev Unadkat. Sunrisers Hyderabad signed the experienced left-arm pacer for ₹1 crore at the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, hoping his experience would strengthen the bowling attack. However, IPL 2026 was a disappointing season for the veteran fast bowler. He played only four matches, taking four wickets at an average of 35.00 and an economy rate of 10.90. His best performance came against Kolkata Knight Riders, where he claimed 3/21, but he struggled to maintain consistency in the rest of his appearances.

As the season progressed, SRH preferred younger fast bowlers such as Eshan Malinga, Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain, reducing Unadkat's role in the squad. At 34, the left-arm pacer no longer fits the franchise's long-term plans, especially with the team looking to build a younger and more dynamic pace attack. His last appearance for SRH came against the Punjab Kings on April 11, 2026, after which he did not feature again.

With the IPL 2027 auction approaching, Sunrisers Hyderabad are likely to release Unadkat and invest in younger bowling options. Although his experience remains valuable, his inconsistent performances and limited game time make him one of the strongest candidates to leave the franchise before next season.

2. Harshal Patel

Harshal Patel

In second place, we have Harshal Patel. Sunrisers Hyderabad signed the two-time Purple Cap winner for ₹8 crore at the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, expecting him to lead their pace attack with his experience. However, IPL 2026 turned out to be a forgettable campaign for the veteran pacer. Harshal played only five matches and failed to take a single wicket while conceding 148 runs in 82 deliveries at an economy rate of 10.82.

As the season progressed, SRH shifted their focus towards younger fast bowlers such as Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain, both of whom impressed with their performances. As a result, Harshal lost his place in the playing XI and was unable to regain it. Considering his lack of wickets and limited impact, the franchise may feel it is time to move in a different direction.

With the IPL 2027 auction approaching, Sunrisers Hyderabad are expected to release Harshal Patel and invest in younger pace-bowling options. His ₹8 crore salary is one of the highest among SRH's bowlers, and releasing him would not only free up a significant amount in the purse but also allow the franchise to continue building a younger and more balanced bowling attack.

1. Liam Livingstone

At the top of the list, we have Liam Livingstone. Sunrisers Hyderabad signed the England all-rounder for ₹13 crore at the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, making him one of the franchise's most expensive signings. However, IPL 2026 was a disappointing season for Livingstone. He played only two matches and managed just 15 runs at an average of 7.50 and a strike rate of 60.00. Injuries, inconsistent form and strong competition for places prevented him from making any meaningful impact.

With several established batting options already in the squad, SRH struggled to find a consistent role for Livingstone. His high price tag made his lack of contribution even more disappointing, and the franchise eventually looked at other combinations as the season progressed. Spending ₹13 crore on a player who featured in only two matches is unlikely to be part of SRH's long-term plans.

With the IPL 2027 auction approaching, Sunrisers Hyderabad are expected to release Liam Livingstone and use the freed-up purse to target younger overseas talent. Releasing one of their most expensive players would also give the franchise greater financial flexibility to strengthen multiple areas of the squad ahead of next season.

Notable Mentions

David Payne:

Sunrisers Hyderabad signed England left-arm pacer David Payne as a replacement for Brydon Carse ahead of IPL 2026. He featured in only two matches, taking two wickets, before suffering an injury that ended his campaign. With Pat Cummins and Eshan Malinga already occupying key overseas pace-bowling roles, SRH are unlikely to retain the 35-year-old ahead of IPL 2027. The franchise may instead look for a younger overseas fast bowler who can offer more at the death.

Shivam Mavi:

SRH signed Indian pacer Shivam Mavi for ₹75 lakh at the IPL 2026 auction, hoping he could revive his IPL career. However, an injury midway through the season ruled him out before he could make a single appearance for the franchise. Although Mavi remains a talented fast bowler, his recurring fitness concerns could force SRH to reconsider his place in the squad ahead of the IPL 2027 auction.

Harsh Dubey:

Young all-rounder Harsh Dubey showed promise with the ball in IPL 2026, picking up 10 wickets in eight matches at an impressive economy rate of 7.64. However, his batting failed to make an impact, as he managed only 13 runs throughout the season. While his bowling performances were encouraging, SRH may expect more from an all-rounder who can contribute in both departments. Despite that, Dubey's age and potential could persuade the franchise to give him another opportunity rather than release him immediately.

Conclusion

Although Sunrisers Hyderabad reached the playoffs in IPL 2026, the franchise will still have plenty to think about before the IPL 2027 auction. Several players failed to meet expectations, while injuries also affected the team's plans. As a result, SRH could release a few experienced and overseas players to create more balance in the squad.

The IPL 2027 auction will give Sunrisers Hyderabad a chance to strengthen their team with fresh talent and improve areas that lacked consistency this season. If the franchise makes the right decisions, they could build a stronger squad and return as one of the top contenders for the IPL 2027 title.