The retentions were pretty straightforward for Sunrisers Hyderabad as all five players enjoyed a sensational season in IPL 2024.
With the IPL 2025 mega auction approaching, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have already sealed their retentions. While the franchise hasn’t made any official announcement yet and the retention deadline isn’t over either, CricXtasy can confirm that they have already sealed and submitted their retention list to the BCCI.
As last season’s IPL runners-up, SRH has built a core group aimed at making another strong title bid, cementing five key players: three overseas stars and two promising Indian talents. Here’s a look at the players SRH has chosen to retain and their potential impact in the coming season.
South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen remains SRH’s top retention, a decision reflecting his crucial role in the middle order. In IPL 2024, Klaasen’s performances often turned the tide in SRH’s favour. Known for his ability to handle spin and pace with equal ease, he is a destructive force in T20 cricket.
His retention for INR 23 crore sums up his value to the team’s lineup, as SRH aims to leverage his consistent power-hitting to stabilise and build match-winning scores.
SRH’s captain and Australian pacer Pat Cummins has been a steadying influence, both with his bowling prowess and his leadership. Retained for INR 18 crore, Cummins guided SRH to the final in IPL 2024 and has proven instrumental in instilling a competitive spirit within the squad.
Known for his capability to handle high-pressure situations, Cummins’ retention ensures SRH’s bowling unit retains its edge in the upcoming season.
Australian batter Travis Head, who had a standout season in 2024, rounds out SRH’s trio of overseas stars. Head scored 567 runs last season, often setting the tone at the top with explosive starts.
With his strike rate and consistency, Head’s role in SRH’s lineup adds significant depth to their batting. Head’s retention at INR 14 crore shows SRH’s commitment to his role as a key opener and potential game-changer.
Also Read: IPL 2025 Retention Live Updates: Tracking Retained and Released Players for All 10 teams
A versatile all-rounder, Abhishek Sharma’s journey with SRH has seen steady progress. He has been one of the consistent Indian performers, contributing both with the bat and the ball. He had a sensational pairing with Head at the top of the order last season, amassing just a shade under 500 runs at a strike-rate over 200.
Retained for INR 14 crore, Sharma’s ability to provide vital runs and bowl when required makes him an invaluable asset. His retention indicates SRH’s faith in his potential as a cornerstone for the team’s future.
Emerging as one of India’s promising all-round talents, 21-year-old Nitish Kumar Reddy’s retention for INR 6 crore highlights his development and potential. After impressive showings in the IPL, domestic leagues and a brief stint in international cricket, he brings a youthful energy to SRH’s lineup.
Reddy’s all-around abilities were pivotal in SRH’s 2024 campaign, where he contributed significantly in both batting and bowling. His retention is a nod to SRH’s long-term investment in nurturing young talents.
| Retained Players | Price (INR) |
| Heinrich Klaasen | 23 crores |
| Pat Cummins | 18 crores |
| Travis Head | 14 crores |
| Abhishek Sharma | 14 crores |
| Nitish Kumar Reddy | 6 Crores |
| TOTAL: | 75 Crores |
| Auction Purse Remaining: | (120-75)= 45 Crores |
These five retentions have already exhausted INR 75 crores out of SRH’s purse and they will head into the auction with only INR 45 crores remaining. They have one RTM as well, which they can use on any player they would want to retain.
By securing experienced international stars in key positions and complementing them with young Indian players, this core setup gives the franchise the foundation to both dominate in the present and build a strong team for the future.
In prioritizing players like Klaasen and Cummins, SRH showed the importance of leadership and match-winning experience, while retaining Head, Abhishek Sharma, and Reddy sums up the franchise’s intent to foster an environment where young talent can flourish. As the auction nears, SRH will look to add support to this solid core, targeting specialists in both bowling and batting to cover gaps in their lineup.
With this group secured, SRH fans can anticipate an exciting season where the franchise could make another serious run for the IPL title.
