SRH Player Ratings For IPL 2026: Comprehensive Season Report Card

A Dramatic Turnaround for the Orange Army

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) endured one of the most volatile yet memorable campaigns of IPL 2026. The season began in disastrous fashion, with the team managing just a solitary victory in their opening four encounters. Critics and fans alike were quick to write them off, anticipating another disappointing season. However, a sensational resurgence during the middle stages of the tournament completely revitalized their campaign. SRH staged a remarkable turnaround, ultimately securing nine victories to finish an impressive third in the league stage. Although their journey ended in disappointment in the Eliminator against the Rajasthan Royals, the season produced several major positives, especially with their explosive batting lineup. Below is our comprehensive player-by-player rating and analysis of SRH’s IPL 2026 campaign.

The Explosive Top Order

Abhishek Sharma – 7/10

Stats: 563 runs | 15 matches | Average: 40.21 | SR: 204.72

Abhishek Sharma was once again the spark plug at the top of the order for the Orange Army. Scoring over 550 runs at an astonishing strike rate of 204.72, his fearless approach set the tone for SRH’s high-scoring totals. While there were moments of rash shot selection, his healthy average of 40.21 indicates he was far more than just a quick cameo player. He remains a crucial cornerstone of this batting unit.

Travis Head – 6/10

Stats: 410 runs | 15 matches | Average: 27.33 | SR: 170.12

Travis Head had a decent campaign, but he could not quite match the stratospheric standards he set in previous seasons. While a strike rate of 170.12 is exceptional for most openers, his average of 27.33 highlights a struggle with consistency. He gave the team several quick starts but failed to convert them into match-winning masterclasses on a regular basis.

Ishan Kishan – 7.5/10

Stats: 602 runs | 15 matches | Average: 40.13 | SR: 182.42

Ishan Kishan proved to be an outstanding acquisition for SRH. Crossing the 600-run mark, Kishan combined explosive aggression with reliable run-scoring. Operating with a superb strike rate of 182.42 and averaging over 40, his ability to take the game away from opposition bowlers in the powerplay was a major reason behind SRH’s mid-season resurgence.

The Middle-Order Pillars and All-Rounders

Heinrich Klaasen – 7.5/10

Stats: 624 runs | 15 matches | Average: 48.00 | SR: 160.00

Heinrich Klaasen was once again the backbone of the SRH batting lineup, finishing as their highest run-scorer with 624 runs. Averaging a phenomenal 48.00, Klaasen anchored the middle order and provided the late-innings acceleration. Though his strike rate of 160.00 was slightly lower than his previous campaigns, his reliability in pressure situations was invaluable.

Nitish Kumar Reddy – 8/10

Stats: 302 runs, 8 wickets | 14 matches | Batting Avg: 30.20 | SR: 171.59 | Economy: 10.41

Nitish Kumar Reddy emerged as one of the standout performers of the season, earning the highest rating in the squad. As a seam-bowling all-rounder, he provided crucial balance to the side. He chipped in with 302 runs at a swift strike rate of 171.59 and picked up 8 wickets. While his economy rate of 10.41 was on the higher side, his clutch contributions with both bat and ball made him indispensable.

Salil Arora – 5/10

Stats: 156 runs | 14 matches | Average: 22.28 | SR: 159.18

Salil Arora played a supporting role in the middle order. In his 14 appearances, he accumulated 156 runs. While his strike rate of 159.18 was healthy, he often struggled to convert his starts into substantial contributions, leaving the bulk of the heavy lifting to the senior batters.

Underperformers in the Batting Department

Smaran Ravichandran – 1/10

Stats: 19 runs | 6 matches | Average: 6.33 | SR: 76.00

It was a forgettable season for Smaran Ravichandran. Given six opportunities to cement his place, he managed only 19 runs. His incredibly low strike rate of 76.00 added immense pressure on the rest of the lineup, making it a campaign to move past quickly.

Aniket Verma – 1.5/10

Stats: 79 runs | 10 matches | Average: 13.16 | SR: 146.29

Aniket Verma struggled to adapt to the demands of the tournament. Over 10 matches, he could only gather 79 runs at a disappointing average of 13.16. Although his strike rate of 146.29 showed intent, his lack of staying power hurt his overall rating and impact on the team.

Liam Livingstone – 0.5/10

Stats: 15 runs | 2 matches | Average: 7.50 | SR: 60.00

Liam Livingstone’s IPL 2026 campaign was virtually non-existent. He featured in just two matches, scoring a mere 15 runs at a strike rate of 60.00. For an international star of his caliber, this was an incredibly disappointing and quiet return.

The Bowling Department: Highs and Lows

Eshan Malinga – 6.5/10

Stats: 20 wickets | 15 matches | Economy: 9.33

Eshan Malinga was the leading wicket-taker for SRH, finishing with 20 scalps across 15 matches. His ability to strike at regular intervals was a major asset. However, he was occasionally expensive, finishing with an economy rate of 9.33, which prevents him from getting a higher rating.

Sakib Hussain – 7.5/10

Stats: 15 wickets | 11 matches | Economy: 9.45

Sakib Hussain was a revelation in the bowling department. Playing 11 matches, he picked up 15 wickets and showed excellent temperament in the death overs. An economy rate of 9.45 is highly respectable in modern T20 cricket, making him one of the shining lights of SRH’s bowling campaign.

Praful Hinge – 6/10

Stats: 14 wickets | 7 matches | Economy: 11.73

Praful Hinge’s campaign was a mixed bag. On one hand, he was incredibly prolific, taking 14 wickets in just 7 matches—a stunning strike rate. On the other hand, he was highly expensive, conceding runs at an alarming rate of 11.73 per over, which often released the pressure built by other bowlers.

Shivang Kumar – 4.5/10

Stats: 9 wickets, 53 runs | 13 matches | Economy: 9.61 | SR: 115.21

Shivang Kumar played 13 matches as a bowling all-rounder. He picked up 9 wickets at an economy of 9.61 and chipped in with 53 runs. While he was steady, SRH would have hoped for more impactful, match-winning performances from him.

Pat Cummins – 4/10

Stats: 8 wickets, 30 runs | 8 matches | Economy: 9.59 | SR: 157.89

The skipper had a quiet season on the field. Managing just 8 wickets in 8 games with an economy of 9.59, Pat Cummins struggled to find his rhythm with the ball. His leadership kept the team united during their early slump, but his individual statistics were underwhelming for a player of his status.

Harsh Dubey – 3/10

Stats: 8 wickets | 8 matches | Economy: 10.36

Harsh Dubey picked up 8 wickets in his 8 outings but struggled to contain opposition batters. An economy rate of 10.36 made it difficult for the captain to use him during crunch situations in the middle overs.

Harshal Patel – 0/10

Stats: 0 wickets | 5 matches | Economy: 10.82

It was a nightmare tournament for Harshal Patel. In his 5 appearances, he failed to pick up a single wicket while leaking runs at an economy of 10.82. He was eventually dropped from the playing XI as the team looked for more potent bowling options.

Conclusion: Lessons for IPL 2027

Sunrisers Hyderabad’s IPL 2026 campaign was characterized by a powerhouse batting lineup that often masked their bowling deficiencies. The sensational form of Heinrich Klaasen, Ishan Kishan, Abhishek Sharma, and the all-round brilliance of Nitish Kumar Reddy carried the team to the playoffs. However, their bowling unit, outside of Eshan Malinga and Sakib Hussain, lacked consistency and leaked too many runs, which ultimately cost them in the Eliminator. To go all the way in the next season, SRH must address their bowling depth and find more discipline in the middle overs.