SRH cricket team in IPL [Source: X]Sunrisers Hyderabad is up for a mega season this IPL 2026. Despite having an underwhelming stint in the previous edition, where they finished 6th on the points table, SRH will be looking forward to starting off their season strong. SRH have retained their solid core packed with monstrous batting firepower and have also roped in many new talents in the IPL 2026 auction. With a plethora of players lined up to give it their all, there might be many who might not get any games at all. Let’s take a look at all those players who might only warm the bench for Hyderabad for most of the IPL 2026 season. IPL 2026: SRH Players Who Can Be Bench Warmers1) Aniket VermaWhy Aniket Verma might not get a single match for SRH in IPL 2026?Aniket Verma could be among the first players to miss out on the playing XI despite his recent appearances in T20 tournaments. His inconsistency with the bat in domestic cricket has raised concerns over his place in the squad.In his most recent outing at the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Verma struggled to make an impact. He managed to score at an average of just 15, which has not helped his case ahead of a competitive IPL season.The 24-year-old was a regular feature for SRH in IPL 2025 but failed to fully deliver on expectations. He scored 236 runs from 14 matches, averaging 26.22 with a strike rate of 166.19.Despite modest returns, the uncapped Indian batter was retained by the franchise for INR 30 lakh. However, retention does not guarantee a spot in the playing XI given the depth in the squad.SRH boast several explosive batting options including Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen, and Abhishek Sharma. The presence of these established performers, along with multiple all-rounders, further limits Verma’s opportunities.Considering the intense competition for spots and his recent dip in form, Verma might find it difficult to break into the XI. Also Read: Rajasthan Royals Accused Of Unfair Treatment; Riyan Parag Under Fire2) Praful HingeWhy Praful Hinge might struggle to get game time for SRH in IPL 2026? Praful Hinge, a right-arm pacer from Vidarbha, was picked by SRH for INR 30 lakh in the IPL 2026 auction. Despite being a promising domestic performer, he faces stiff competition for a place in the playing XI.Hinge impressed in domestic cricket, particularly in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He enjoyed a standout campaign in the 2023-24 Colonel CK Naidu Trophy. The young pacer picked up 26 wickets in just seven matches, showcasing his ability to dominate at the junior level.However, breaking into the SRH playing XI remains a tough challenge due to squad composition. The team already has several right-arm pace options and pace-bowling all-rounders available.Players like Brydon Carse, Harshal Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Shivam Mavi provide strong competition. Their experience and all-round abilities may keep Hinge lower in the pecking order.Considering the abundance of similar bowling options, Hinge’s chances of regular selection appear limited.3) Harsh DubeyHarsh Dubey, a promising left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder from Vidarbha, is another youngster who could struggle for game time this season. Despite his strong domestic credentials, the competition within the SRH squad could limit his opportunities.Dubey had a historic 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season, picking up a record 69 wickets. He followed it up with another solid campaign in 2025-26, further strengthening his reputation in red-ball cricket.However, his performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy were underwhelming. He managed to take only 8 wickets in 7 matches, raising concerns about his effectiveness in the shortest format.Retained by SRH for INR 30 lakh, Dubey remains a long-term investment for the franchise. However, immediate opportunities may be limited unless injuries or unavailability affect the first-choice players.SRH already have multiple spin options, including Wanindu Hasaranga, Liam Livingstone, along with other domestic names in the mix. The presence of established and versatile spinners makes it difficult for Dubey to break into the playing XI.Hence, considering the team combination and stronger spin options ahead of him, Dubey faces an uphill task this season.Also Read: Delhi Capitals Stars Who Can Take Retirement From IPL After 2026
