SRH Players Who Can Take IPL Retirement After 2026 Season

SRH players who can retire from IPL after 2026 [Source: AFP]

The Sunrisers Hyderabad will continue their pursuit of the first IPL title since the 2016 edition as they begin the season in match 1 against the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

After failing to back up an incredible run to the IPL 2024 final last year, the pressure on some of the senior players to step up and help the team reach the playoffs will be high. Some of the SRH stars from the IPL 2026 roster are not regulars in their national teams, which makes it difficult to get quality game time under their belts, hurting the team’s chances in the IPL.

Some players like David Warner and Moeen Ali, among others, also explore other leagues, like the Pakistan Super League, which collides with the IPL in the same March-April window.

As some of the SRH stars head into the final phase of their careers, we explore the players who could be playing their last IPL in 2026.

Sunrisers Hyderabad Players Who Can Retire From IPL After 2026

1. Heinrich Klaasen

The explosive South African wicketkeeper Heinrich Klaasen was SRH's leading run scorer in IPL 2026. However, having retired from international post IPL 2025, he has only been active in T20 Leagues around the world, and the performances have been concerning.

He wasn’t a part of the formidable South African squad, which reached the semi-final of the recent ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, meaning his last competitive match dates back to January 17 during the SA20. At 34, with no international cricket and very little high-intensity action, Klaasen could be playing his last IPL in 2026.

Klaasen could join the likes of Warner, Moeen Ali and Maxwell in the PSL from 2027 onwards.

Also Read: IPL 2026 Players List- Injury Replacements, Withdrawals From All Teams

(Heinrich Klaasen stats in and after IPL 2025)

 2. Pat Cummins

The Australia and SRH captain, Pat Cummins, last played a competitive match in December during the Ashes series, which is his only appearance since the West Indies tour in July 2025. Additionally, he is set to be out of the first half of the IPL 2026, and Ishan Kishan will lead the team in his absence.

He will be close to 34 by the time the next IPL is played in March-May 2027, and there have been consistent injury concerns over the past 12-15 months. Considering there is an Ashes series scheduled in 2027, followed by a build-up and the subsequent World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Cummins could put the curtains on his IPL career after IPL 2026.

3. Jaydev Unadkat

Jaydev Unadkat has been a journeyman in the league, having played in the IPL since the 2009 season. In his time, he has represented 8 different franchises in 112 matches and picked 110 wickets. There was a time when he was among the hottest commodities in the auction room, before he eventually found a home in SRH over the past couple of seasons.

He has been a valuable member of their squad in recent years, but at 34, the chances of making an India comeback look far-fetched for Unadkat. Additionally, the Indian players don’t play overseas leagues, making it difficult to remain match-fit after the domestic season ends in January-February.

As he will be nearing 36 in IPL 2027, recovery from intense matches every couple of days also becomes difficult. With the new crop coming in every year, IPL 2026 could be his last season as a player with SRH, and he might join the support staff or broadcast team in the studio.

Also Read: KKR Players Who Could Announce Retirement From IPL After 2026