SRH Player Ratings For IPL 2026: Comprehensive Season Report Card

An Unpredictable Campaign: Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2026

The Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) experienced a highly dramatic and memorable IPL 2026 season. After winning only one of their first four matches, many cricket pundits and fans had already written off their chances of making the playoffs. However, a stunning turnaround in the middle phase of the tournament changed everything for the franchise.

SRH eventually finished third in the league stage, securing nine wins along the way. Although their campaign came to an end in the Eliminator against the Rajasthan Royals, the season produced several major positives, particularly with their explosive batting unit. Below is the comprehensive player-by-player rating and performance analysis for SRH’s IPL 2026 campaign.

The Top-Order Explosiveness

Abhishek Sharma – 7/10

Runs: 563 | Matches: 15 | Average: 40.21 | Strike Rate: 204.72

Abhishek Sharma was once again the chief instigator of SRH’s high-tempo batting blueprint. Scoring 563 runs at a breathtaking strike rate of over 204, he consistently dismantled opposition bowling attacks during the powerplay. His average of 40.21 proves that his aggressive approach did not come at the cost of stability, making him one of the premier openers of the season.

Travis Head – 6/10

Runs: 410 | Matches: 15 | Average: 27.33 | Strike Rate: 170.12

Travis Head had a decent season, though he did not reach the dizzying heights of his previous campaigns. While 410 runs at a strike rate of 170.12 is highly respectable, his average of 27.33 indicates a struggle with consistency. He provided explosive starts but frequently failed to convert them into match-winning contributions in the latter half of the tournament.

Ishan Kishan – 7.5/10

Runs: 602 | Matches: 15 | Average: 40.13 | Strike Rate: 182.42

Ishan Kishan proved to be an outstanding addition to the SRH lineup. Passing the 600-run mark, Kishan combined aggression with reliability, anchoring the innings when needed while maintaining an excellent strike rate of 182.42. His ability to build large partnerships was a key driver of SRH’s mid-season resurgence.

The Pillars of the Middle Order

Heinrich Klaasen – 7.5/10

Runs: 624 | Matches: 15 | Average: 48.00 | Strike Rate: 160.00

Heinrich Klaasen remained the undisputed engine room of the SRH batting order. Finishing as the team’s leading run-scorer with 624 runs, Klaasen averaged an outstanding 48.00. While his strike rate was slightly lower than in previous years, his ability to negotiate spin and anchor the death overs saved SRH from several collapses.

Nitish Kumar Reddy – 8/10

Runs: 302 | Matches: 14 | Average: 30.20 | Strike Rate: 171.59
Wickets: 8 | Matches: 14 | Economy: 10.41

Nitish Kumar Reddy was the standout young performer for SRH, earning the highest rating in the squad. His contributions with the bat were vital, scoring 302 runs at a strike rate of 171.59. While his bowling economy of 10.41 was expensive, his knack for picking up crucial wickets made him an indispensable all-round asset.

Mid-to-Lower Order Underperformers

Smaran Ravichandran – 1/10

Runs: 19 | Matches: 6 | Average: 6.33 | Strike Rate: 76.00

It was a season to forget for Smaran Ravichandran. Given six opportunities in the middle order, he failed to adapt to the tournament’s tempo, managing only 19 runs at a strike rate well below 100.

Aniket Verma – 1.5/10

Runs: 79 | Matches: 10 | Average: 13.16 | Strike Rate: 146.29

Aniket Verma received a decent run of ten matches but struggled to make an impact. While his strike rate was acceptable, an average of 13.16 meant that the lower-middle order remained vulnerable during key chases.

Liam Livingstone – 0.5/10

Runs: 15 | Matches: 2 | Average: 7.50 | Strike Rate: 60.00

Highly anticipated to boost the finish, Liam Livingstone had an incredibly disappointing campaign. Featuring in only two games, he managed a mere 15 runs and looked completely out of touch, eventually losing his spot in the playing XI.

Salil Arora – 5/10

Runs: 156 | Matches: 14 | Average: 22.28 | Strike Rate: 159.18

Salil Arora played a utility role in the middle order. While not spectacular, his 156 runs came at a useful strike rate of 159.18, providing brief cameos that helped bridge the gap between the top order and the tail.

The Bowling Unit: Highs and Lows

Pat Cummins – 4/10

Wickets: 8 | Matches: 8 | Economy: 9.59
Runs: 30 | Matches: 8 | Strike Rate: 157.89

Skipper Pat Cummins had a quiet season by his lofty standards. Missing several games and picking up only 8 wickets in his 8 appearances, Cummins struggled to contain opposing batters, finishing with an expensive economy rate of 9.59. His leadership was tested during the tough phases, but his individual numbers fell short.

Shivang Kumar – 4.5/10

Wickets: 9 | Matches: 13 | Economy: 9.61
Runs: 53 | Matches: 13 | Strike Rate: 115.21

Shivang Kumar served as a regular bowling option, playing 13 matches. While he picked up 9 wickets, he was often expensive, and his contributions with the bat in the lower order remained modest.

Eshan Malinga – 6.5/10

Wickets: 20 | Matches: 15 | Economy: 9.33

Eshan Malinga was the primary strike bowler for SRH. Leading the bowling charts with 20 wickets in 15 matches, Malinga was the go-to option in the death overs. Although his economy rate of 9.33 was slightly high, his wicket-taking ability kept SRH competitive.

Sakib Hussain – 7.5/10

Wickets: 15 | Matches: 11 | Economy: 9.45

Sakib Hussain was one of the revelations of the SRH bowling attack. Snaring 15 wickets in 11 matches, his economy rate of 9.45 was highly respectable given the high-scoring nature of the tournament. He consistently provided crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs.

Praful Hinge – 6/10

Wickets: 14 | Matches: 7 | Economy: 11.73

Praful Hinge was a fascinating bowler to watch this season. Playing only 7 matches, he picked up an impressive 14 wickets, showing incredible strike-rate capabilities. However, his economy of 11.73 was a massive liability that often allowed opponents back into the game.

Harsh Dubey – 3/10

Wickets: 8 | Matches: 8 | Economy: 10.36

Harsh Dubey struggled to establish control in the middle overs. In his 8 appearances, he picked up 8 wickets but leaked runs at an economy rate of 10.36, preventing SRH from building sustained pressure.

Harshal Patel – 0/10

Wickets: 0 | Matches: 5 | Economy: 10.82

It was a disastrous campaign for Harshal Patel. In his 5 matches, he failed to pick up a single wicket while leaking runs at an economy rate of 10.82. His lack of form forced the management to bench him for the remainder of the season.

Conclusion: Looking Ahead to IPL 2027

While Sunrisers Hyderabad’s IPL 2026 campaign was filled with entertainment and a commendable third-place finish, their bowling vulnerabilities ultimately cost them a spot in the final. The batting lineup looks incredibly formidable, but addressing the bowling economy and finding a steady domestic finisher will be top priorities ahead of the next auction.