3 Players SRH released and might already be regretting

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) enjoyed a near-flawless IPL 2026 campaign. The Pat Cummins-led side had a memorable run before their journey came to an end against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Eliminator. Rajasthan thrashed SRH by 47 runs at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh.

It was a significant improvement from their IPL 2025 campaign. Sunrisers Hyderabad finished sixth on the points table that season, managing just 13 points after registering six wins and suffering seven defeats.

The 2025 campaign marked a notable decline from their runners-up finish in IPL 2024, when they lost to Kolkata Knight Riders in the final. While several factors contributed to SRH's struggles, some questionable release decisions have arguably cost them dearly. Here are three players SRH released over the past two years and may already be regretting letting go.

#1 Bhuvneshwar Kumar

SRH released Bhuvneshwar Kumar at the end of the IPL 2024 season, bringing an end to an 11-year association. He remains the franchise's leading wicket-taker with 157 wickets, a staggering 64 more than second-placed Rashid Khan.

Bhuvneshwar played a key role in SRH's maiden IPL title triumph in 2016, finishing as the tournament's leading wicket-taker with 23 wickets in 17 matches at an average of 21.30, including a four-wicket haul. Given his immense contribution to the franchise over the years, there is a strong argument that SRH should have retained him.

Although he endured a relatively underwhelming 2024 season by his lofty standards, taking 11 wickets in 16 matches at an economy rate of 9.35, his experience and ability could still have proved valuable for the franchise.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) moved swiftly to secure his services at the IPL 2025 auction, signing him for INR 10.75 crore. Since then, Bhuvneshwar's stock has risen considerably, and he has played a part in two title-winning campaigns with RCB.

#2 Washington Sundar

SRH may also regret releasing Washington Sundar after IPL 2024. Gujarat Titans (GT) acquired the all-rounder for INR 3.2 crore at the IPL 2025 auction, and he has since developed into one of the franchise's most dependable performers.

Sundar amassed 377 runs in 16 innings during IPL 2026, averaging 37.70 at a strike rate of 150.19. His impressive season included three half-centuries, and he played a crucial role in guiding GT to the final before RCB ended their hopes of securing a second IPL title after their triumph in 2022.

#3 Marco Jansen

Marco Jansen featured in just three matches during IPL 2024, picking up a solitary wicket before SRH decided to part ways with him. The South African all-rounder was earning INR 4.2 crore at SRH before Punjab Kings (PBKS) snapped him up for INR 7 crore at the IPL 2025 auction.

Jansen made an immediate impact, claiming 16 wickets and playing a key role in helping PBKS reach the IPL 2025 final. He followed it up with nine wickets in the 2026 season, further highlighting that SRH's decision to release him may not have been the right call.