Three IPL teams Abhishek Sharma could join in 2027 if he leaves Sunrisers Hyderabad
Abhishek Sharma is reportedly considering a move away from Sunrisers Hyderabad and could join one of three Indian Premier League franchises ahead of the 2027 edition, according to media reports. The speculation follows SRH's decision to hand Ishan Kishan the captaincy during Pat Cummins' absence in IPL 2026.
Pat Cummins missed the initial few games of IPL 2026 because of a back injury, and Ishan Kishan served as interim skipper in his stead. Reports state Cummins' future in franchise cricket is uncertain given Australia's congested 2027 schedule, which includes the ICC ODI World Cup co-hosted by South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe, and that the board is likely to name Kishan permanent captain next season. Multiple outlets say Abhishek is unhappy with the captaincy decision and is weighing his options, with several franchises said to be interested in his services.
Punjab Kings is one potential destination; Abhishek plays domestic cricket for Punjab and a return would be a homecoming if he leaves Hyderabad. Shreyas Iyer's tenure as PBKS captain produced a run to the 2025 final but the side failed to progress past the group stage in the subsequent edition. PBKS currently have an opening pair of Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimram Singh, leaving uncertainty over where Abhishek would fit in their top order.
Delhi Capitals are another suitor in the reports, with Yuvraj Singh set to join DC as their batting coach ahead of IPL 2027 and described as a longtime coach and mentor of Abhishek. The coverage suggests Yuvraj could influence Abhishek's decision to join the Capitals, whom the article refers to as 2020 runner-ups. Abhishek previously featured for Delhi Capitals in 2018, scoring 63 runs in three matches before being signed by Sunrisers for the next edition.
Mumbai Indians have also been linked to a potential move, amid media accounts of internal issues after Hardik Pandya failed to lead the side to success in recent editions and indications that Pandya is unlikely to play for the five-time champions next season. Reports propose MI could pursue a swap or a play-plus-cash deal to acquire Abhishek. The 26-year-old left-handed batter is noted as offering an additional bowling option and is mentioned as a possible long-term replacement for Rohit Sharma, whose future the article says is uncertain as he will turn 40 soon.
The coverage adds that Abhishek Sharma has spent eight seasons with Sunrisers Hyderabad, and that his resume makes him an attractive target for multiple sides should he choose to leave. Media outlets quoted in the piece link his reported dissatisfaction over the captaincy decision with the possibility of a transfer ahead of the next auction or trading window.
Any transfer discussion is framed as occurring ahead of the 2027 IPL season and likely to be influenced by SRH's captaincy decision and franchise coaching moves such as Yuvraj Singh joining Delhi Capitals; reports say those factors, along with interest from Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians, will shape where Abhishek might play in 2027.