Aakash Chopra reveals SRH’s auction plan after release deadline

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra reckons Sunrisers Hyderabad must target an overseas fast bowler and a spinner in the upcoming IPL 2026 mini auction. Chopra noted that while the Orange Army has retained its batting core ahead of the auction, it would be crucial for them to rope in a foreign pacer on a batting-friendly Hyderabad pitch.

Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen, and Pat Cummins will be certain in SRH’s playing XI, and Chopra feels the franchise can target bowlers like Anrich Nortje and Matheesha Pathirana in the auction.

Meanwhile, Zeeshan Ansari was SRH’s solitary option in the spin department and Chopra added that it cannot be the case anymore.

“They need bowlers. While it is a bowlers graveyard, it is not always the case of bat versus bat. They have maintained their batting core. You need a fourth overseas player. A bit of an upgrade in the bowling department. Bowling is an area where they fell short. We have to wait and watch but they need a gun bowler. Maybe Pathirana or Nortje as there are not many names on the table. They have to add spinners because Zeeshan cannot be your only option,” Aakash Chopra said on Star Sports.

On the other hand, the former Delhi cricketer backed Washington Sundar’s stock to rise in the market in IPL 2026. Chopra said Sundar will blossom while batting at number four for the Gujarat Titans. The renowned commentator reckons GT need backup players as their team is already set.

“I think we will see the rise of Sundar, slightly bigger role this season batting at four. There is still Glenn Philips there so you can get him into the mix as Rutherford is not there. Put Shah Rukh as the impact player and the team is sorted. This team was ready, and will be ready. It is a good team. They might want somebody as a backup seamer for Rabada. They just need backups, their team is set,” he said.

Sundar has been in fine form and recently returned with scores of 31 and 29 in the opening Test against South Africa.