Abhishek Sharma linked with SRH exit as franchise denies report

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Abhishek Sharma is reportedly considering a move away from Sunrisers Hyderabad as IPL franchises prepare for retention and release decisions, but SRH CEO K Shanmugam has rejected the claims as “not true”.

An October 2 report by The Times of India said informal discussions with multiple franchises had taken place but had not produced a substantial agreement.

What the report says about Abhishek Sharma

The report links Abhishek Sharma’s alleged dissatisfaction to Sunrisers Hyderabad’s captaincy plans involving Ishan Kishan. An unnamed industry source claimed Sharma had captaincy ambitions after spending several seasons with SRH.

The same source said Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings had been explored as possible destinations. Delhi Capitals were also mentioned because Yuvraj Singh, described in the report as Sharma’s mentor, is part of that setup.

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The article also cited sources close to Sharma as saying that “nothing is happening”. No franchise or player representative was reported to have confirmed formal negotiations.

SRH rejects the exit speculation

Sunrisers Hyderabad CEO K Shanmugam denied the reported unrest and described the claims as “not true” when contacted for comment.

The report nevertheless claimed tension had developed after SRH’s captaincy decision involving Kishan. It also suggested Sharma could consider leaving without receiving a captaincy role elsewhere. That assertion came from an unnamed source, not the player.

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The report also discussed Pat Cummins’ availability, suggesting his international schedule in 2027 could affect SRH’s leadership planning. The source article announced no confirmed change to the franchise’s captaincy or squad.

Why a move would be difficult

Any departure would require Sunrisers Hyderabad and another franchise to agree on a workable route before their squads are finalised for the mini-auction in December.

The source identified a cash deal or player trade as possible mechanisms but reported no offer or agreement. Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants were mentioned as teams that might have captaincy openings, while most other franchises were described as having settled leadership arrangements.

Abhishek Sharma joined Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2019 and remains part of the franchise unless an official retention, release or trade decision changes his status. For now, the reported interest remains unconfirmed, and SRH has publicly rejected the suggestion that Sharma wants to leave.