IPL 2026: Who will replace Pat Cummins in SRH’s XI for first few games?
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Pat Cummins has joined SRH but will be missing first few games of IPL 2026.
Sunrisers Hyderabad will be starting their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 campaign against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on the inaugural day, 28th March, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. The team is known for its aggressive approach, but over the years, bowling has been one of the areas they have lacked. On top of that, they will be missing the services of their captain, Pat Cummins, for the first few games as he is injured.
Cummins brings a lot of experience both as a fast bowler and as a captain. His absence will hurt the team, but with Ishan Kishan stepping up as the acting captain and Abhishek Sharma as vice-captain, SRH would still fancy their chances, having shown belief in two young Indian emerging stars.
SRH will look to field their best XI and find the right combinations in the absence of Cummins.On that note, let’s have a look at the possible players who could replace Pat Cummins in the playing XI of SRH for the first few matches of IPL 2026.
3 players who could replace Pat Cummins in SRH’s XI for first few games in IPL 2026
1. Eshan Malinga
Eshan Malinga was one of the few players who was in doubt for IPL 2026, but he has now received clearance from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to play in the tournament. He will be the top choice to replace Cummins in the playing XI. The 25-year-old made his IPL debut last year, where he took 13 wickets in just seven matches. Malinga presents a strong option to step up as SRH’s lead overseas seamer.
2. Shivam Mavi
Shivam Mavi was once rated very highly as an emerging star, but his form dipped, and he was not seen playing in the IPL for a few years. However, the Uttar Pradesh fast bowler has now been picked by SRH and has had a terrific domestic season, where he picked up plenty of wickets in the Ranji Trophy.
In the absence of Cummins, the team management may look at Mavi as a fast-bowling option, which would also allow them to include an extra overseas batter in the playing XI.
3. Brydon Carse
Brydon Carse presents a strong option as a hit-the-deck seam bowler. The England all-rounder may find a place in the playing XI straight away, making his IPL debut in the absence of Cummins. His ability to contribute with the bat down the order also gives him an advantage in selection.
Carse was part of the SRH squad in 2025, but a toe injury ruled him out of the tournament. Now fully fit, he will be eager to make his IPL debut for the Sunrisers.
Who is most likely to replace Cummins in SRH XI for first few games?
Eshan Malinga presents a strong option to step up as Sunrisers Hyderabad’s lead overseas seamer in absence of Pat Cummins.
Who is the captain of SRH for the first few games in the absence of Pat Cummins?
Ishan Kishan will captain Sunrisers Hyderabad in the absence of Pat Cummins.
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Kabaddi is old, but not older than my love for it. I am still a rookie, but kabaddi is one thing I have been following passionately since my childhood. I don't miss any matches of the league and I regularly follow domestic and international tournaments as well.