IPL 2026: Predicting the strongest playing XI of SRH after retentions

Sunrisers Hyderabad look like a fearsome unit on paper. The retained mix gives SRH power at the top, depth in the middle and a varied pace attack capable of taking wickets in all phases.

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Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head form a match-winning opening pair. Abhishek’s 141 off 55 in IPL 2025 was a statement innings, which was the highest individual score by an Indian that season. He’s repeatedly shown he can single-handedly turn big chases into victories. Travis Head’s fluency and knack for quick starts complement Abhishek’s power, making the top three a nightmare for new-ball bowlers.

Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen bring middle-order muscle. Ishan’s maiden IPL century for SRH underlined his ability to convert starts into huge innings and to accelerate in the middle overs. Klaasen’s 105* and his reputation for brutal hitting against spin give SRH a late-order catalyst who can up the scoring rate in the final ten overs.

Nitish Kumar Reddy and Aniket Verma add flexible batting options. Nitish’s domestic and IPL returns, including consistent cameos and useful strike-rate outputs, give SRH a reliable middle-order presence, while Aniket’s ability to clear boundaries provides finishing support and depth in case of early losses.

The bowling attack is built around Pat Cummins and a host of death-over specialists. Cummins brings raw pace, new-ball teeth and leadership. When at his best, he can dictate the power play and provide late breakthroughs. Harshal Patel’s death-over craft and Jaydev Unadkat’s variations offer control and wicket-taking options, while youngsters Zeeshan Ansari and Eshan Malinga add pace, legspin variation and the unpredictability that can unpick settled batters.

Tactically, this XI is flexible. SRH can play four quicks and no specialist spinner, or ease Aniket and Nitish up the order depending on matchups. On paper, it leans heavily on aggressive top-order batting and a pace-led bowling plan — a combination that suits flat tracks and high-scoring venues. 

Probable Playing XI - Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Aniket Verma, Pat Cummins, Harshal Patel, Zeeshan Ansari, Jaydev Unadkat, Eshan Malinga.

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