Sunrisers Hyderabad have already suffered a big blow ahead of IPL 2026 as their regular skipper, Pat Cummins, is set to miss the early part of the season due to a prolonged lumbar stress injury. Jack Edwards is also ruled out of the tournament due to injury as the 2016 champions prepare for the season-opener against RCB on March 28.

SRH carries serious firepower with the bat going into the new season, but questions loom over the bowling lineup. The Hyderabad-based franchise, which made it to the final in the 2024 season, will once again look to go one step further this time and lift their second title.

SRH batting packed with firepower

Abhishek Sharma

Abhishek Sharma, currently the world No. 1 T20I batsman, will be the key figure at the top. After his sensational knock in the recent T20 World Cup final, he looks in top form. SRH will depend heavily on him to provide strong starts.

Travis Head

Travis Head will partner Abhishek at the top once again. The Australian batsman has proven himself across formats and has already shown what he can do in the IPL. The duo has produced some destructive partnerships before, and SRH will expect more of the same.

Ishan Kishan

At number three, Ishan Kishan is likely to slot in and could also take up leadership duties. He had a mixed season last year, starting with a century but failing to stay consistent. This time, with more responsibility, he will look to deliver a much more stable campaign.

Heinrich Klaasen (wk)

At number four, Heinrich Klaasen will be crucial. Having stepped away from international cricket, he will be fresh and focused. Known for his power hitting, Klaasen can easily change games in a matter of overs.

Liam Livingstone

The English batting all-rounder Liam Livingstone brings a lot of experience to this setup. Known for his explosive batting and handy spin bowling, he hasn’t really delivered as per his stature in the IPL so far. But SRH have shown faith in him again, and he will be looking to finally step up and make a strong impact this season.

Aniket Verma

Aniket Verma is likely to be part of the XI again. The youngster had a breakout run last season, scoring 236 runs in 14 matches and playing a few important knocks. He adds depth to the middle order and can also finish the games.

Nitish Kumar Reddy

Nitish Kumar Reddy brings balance as an all-rounder. He can contribute with the bat and also chip in with a few overs. His flexibility makes him an important part of the middle order.

Bowling unit has experience but questions

braydon carse

Braydon Carse could be a key addition to the pace attack in the absence of Cummins. The tall English pacer can generate extra bounce and this will be his first IPL season. He will be eager to make a strong start.

Harshal Patel

Harshal Patel brings a lot of experience. Known for his slower balls and variations, he has picked up 151 wickets in the IPL and remains a vital part of the bowling unit.

Jaydev Unadkat

Jaydev Unadkat is one of the more experienced pacers in this setup with over 100 IPL wickets. His economy has been questioned at times, but given the current combination, his role becomes important.

Zeeshan Ansari

Zeeshan Ansari will be the frontline spinner. He had an inconsistent debut season in 2025, struggling with his line and length, but will be hoping to come back stronger this year.

SRH predicted playing XI for IPL 2026

Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan (c), Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Aniket Verma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Liam Livingstone, Braydon Carse, Harshal Patel, Jaydev Unadkat, Zeeshan Ansari.

SRH full squad IPL 2026

Pat Cummins (c)