As the IPL 2026 mega auction approaches on December 16 in Abu Dhabi, franchises are finalising their squad-building strategies. Sunrisers Hyderabad enter the auction with one of the larger pools of available slots, giving them notable room to reshape their squad for the upcoming season.
How many overseas slots do Sunrisers Hyderabad have?
SRH head into the auction with 10 total slots available, out of which two are overseas slots.
This measures considerably lower than KKR’s six overseas vacancies but still places SRH among the teams with meaningful flexibility in their foreign signings.
IPL 2026 Auction – Team Slot Summary (SRH)
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Total slots available: 10
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Overseas slots available: 2
Despite having fewer overseas openings than some teams, SRH’s two foreign slots will be highly strategic. With the core of their overseas contingent largely intact, the franchise is expected to target high-impact additions rather than multiple new faces.
Top Overseas Players Who Could Fit SRH’s Requirements
With only two overseas slots available, Sunrisers Hyderabad will likely focus on specialist roles or high-value match-winners. Based on the profiles in the auction pool, here are the international players who could align best with SRH’s tactical needs:
1. Cameron Green (Australia – Batting All-Rounder)
Brings top-order flexibility and seam bowling. His all-round skillset gives teams structural balance, something SRH often values in multi-phase players.
2. Liam Livingstone (England – Middle-Order Power-Hitter & Off-Spinner)
Offers immediate middle-order impact and the ability to attack spin-heavy overs. His part-time spin also increases his utility in Indian conditions.
3. Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka – Leg-Spinning All-Rounder)
A middle-overs wicket-taker who can bat aggressively at No. 7/8. SRH traditionally prioritises strong spin options, making him a suitable candidate.
4. Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand – Top-Order All-Rounder)
Left-handed batting, spin options, and fielding quality make him a long-term investment for any franchise constructing stability across formats.
5. Michael Bracewell (New Zealand – Spin-Bowling All-Rounder)
His combination of controlled off-spin and middle-order hitting aligns with SRH’s historic emphasis on tactical depth.
6. David Miller (South Africa – Finisher)
Provides late-innings experience and left-handed stability. SRH have relied on finishers in the past, and Miller remains one of the most proven options.
7. Anrich Nortje (South Africa – Express Fast Bowler)
SRH already possess a strong pace core, but Nortje’s high-end speed offers an additional strike bowler capable of handling both powerplay and death overs.
8. Matt Henry (New Zealand – New-Ball Specialist)
A disciplined new-ball seamer who can pair well with SRH’s existing pace attack if they seek early breakthroughs.
9. Matheesha Pathirana (Sri Lanka – Death-Overs Specialist)
A highly specialised bowler ideal for the final four overs — a rare skill set that always attracts interest.
10. Quinton de Kock (South Africa – Keeper-Opener)
If SRH seek a top-order left-hander with wicketkeeping ability, de Kock offers proven experience in both roles.
Why these profiles matter for SRH
With only two overseas slots, SRH’s approach is expected to be selective rather than expansive.
The franchise already has a strong core and will likely seek:
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A finishing batter
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A middle-overs wicket-taking spinner
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A pace specialist depending on match-ups
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A multi-dimensional all-rounder to strengthen balance
Their auction strategy will revolve around complementing the retained squad rather than restructuring it.
