Abhishek Sharma Wants to Leave SRH Before IPL 2027: Latest Trade Update

Abhishek Sharma is reportedly exploring a move away from Sunrisers Hyderabad ahead of IPL 2027 after the franchise’s decision to back Ishan Kishan for the captaincy. Multiple reports say informal discussions have taken place with Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings, while Delhi Capitals have also been mentioned as a possible destination.

However, no trade has been completed and Sunrisers Hyderabad CEO K Shanmugam has denied the reports of Abhishek being unhappy. The Times of India, meanwhile, reports that informal dialogue with multiple franchises has taken place, but nothing substantial has materialised so far.

That leaves Abhishek’s IPL 2027 future as one of the biggest unresolved stories ahead of the retention deadline.

Why Abhishek Sharma Is Reportedly Unhappy at SRH

The issue revolves around captaincy.

Abhishek Sharma was part of the Sunrisers setup for years and has also captained Punjab in domestic cricket. When Pat Cummins was unavailable during the start of IPL 2026, however, SRH appointed Ishan Kishan as interim captain, with Abhishek named vice captain. The IPL’s official announcement confirmed that decision before the 2026 season.

The situation has now become more significant because Cummins could have limited availability for IPL 2027 due to Australia’s demanding international schedule. Cummins has previously said he may need to reduce his franchise commitments while prioritising Test cricket and the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Reports suggest SRH are therefore looking towards Ishan Kishan as their leadership option, something that has reportedly left Abhishek disappointed because he had his own captaincy ambitions.

SRH Deny Abhishek Sharma Exit Reports

This is where the story needs to be separated from speculation.

While reports from several outlets claim that Abhishek wants to leave the franchise, SRH CEO K Shanmugam has described the reports as “not true.”

There is also no statement from Abhishek Sharma confirming that he has requested a trade or asked SRH to release him.

So the current position is not an official transfer request. It is a developing report based on information attributed to sources, alongside a direct denial from the franchise.

That distinction could become especially important as the IPL retention process moves closer to its deadline.

Which IPL Teams Are Linked With Abhishek Sharma?

Mumbai Indians appear prominently in the latest reports, with Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings also named as teams involved in informal discussions.

Delhi Capitals have been mentioned as another possible destination, partly because Abhishek’s long time mentor Yuvraj Singh is now associated with the franchise’s setup.

None of these links represents a completed trade.

The situation is also fluid because a move would require agreement between the relevant franchises and the player, while SRH would have to determine whether it is willing to part with one of its most important Indian players.

Why Abhishek Sharma Is Such a Valuable Trade Target

Abhishek’s value is not based only on his reputation.

He has developed into one of the most destructive opening batters in T20 cricket and remains an important part of India’s white ball setup. His IPL 2026 campaign underlines why other franchises would have a strong reason to explore his availability.

Abhishek scored 563 runs in 14 IPL 2026 matches at a strike rate of 204.73, according to his IPL career statistics. He also finished the season with 50 fours and 43 sixes.

That profile makes him particularly attractive in the current T20 environment because he can change the match during the powerplay without needing a long innings to build momentum.

He is also a bowling option, with his slow left arm orthodox spin providing an additional tactical choice when conditions allow.

What Would an Abhishek Sharma Trade Mean for SRH?

Losing Abhishek would create a major hole at the top of the SRH batting order.

The franchise has built its identity around aggressive powerplay batting in recent seasons, with Abhishek playing an important role in that approach. Replacing his runs, strike rate and left handed presence would not be straightforward.

SRH would also need to consider what it receives in return.

A straight player exchange could give the franchise a different type of player, while a broader trade arrangement could alter its auction strategy. Cash considerations and squad composition would also become relevant before the final retention list is submitted.

Follow the latest developments through the SRH team page as the franchise’s 2027 squad situation develops.

What Could Happen Next?

The immediate focus is the IPL 2027 retention deadline.

If SRH and Abhishek remain aligned, the story could end without a transfer. If the reported disagreement continues, the franchise will need to decide whether to retain the opener, explore a trade or take another route before the auction.

For an interested franchise, the calculation is equally complicated. Abhishek would provide an established Indian opening batter, but acquiring him would require a trade package that SRH considers worthwhile.

This is why the next round of franchise discussions could be more important than the initial rumours.

Fans should also track the IPL 2027 trades page because any officially completed player movement can change both teams’ auction plans.

Abhishek Sharma IPL 2027 Trade Status

As of October 2, 2026, Abhishek Sharma has not been confirmed as leaving Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Reports say the Indian opener is unhappy with the captaincy situation and is exploring alternatives. Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings have been linked through informal discussions, with Delhi Capitals also mentioned.

At the same time, SRH have denied that Abhishek is unhappy, and no formal trade has been announced.

His 2026 IPL numbers make the situation particularly significant. Abhishek scored 563 runs at a strike rate above 200, giving SRH a match changing opener they would have to replace if a transfer eventually takes place.

For now, the player remains part of the SRH picture for IPL 2027, but his future is clearly one of the major stories to watch before the retention deadline.

Keep up with the latest IPL 2027 auction, IPL 2027 squads and IPL 2027 points table updates on IPL2027In.