Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has shared his insights on the potential playing XI for Sunrisers Hyderabad as the 2026 IPL season approaches.
Sunrisers Hyderabad will start the season without their captain, Pat Cummins, who is sidelined due to a lumbar stress injury. Cummins has already missed four out of five Ashes Tests and the 2026 T20 World Cup. Australian all-rounder Jack Edwards will be unavailable for the entire season due to a foot injury, and there are concerns about Sri Lankan bowler Eshan Malinga’s participation due to a shoulder issue.
Chopra noted that SRH has a robust batting lineup up to number eight, especially with the inclusion of Brydon Carse, the only fit overseas fast bowler.
“What could be the playing XI? Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Liam Livingstone, and Aniket Verma create a fantastic batting lineup, followed by Brydon Carse. So you have absolutely solid batting till No. 8,” he mentioned on his YouTube channel.
For the bowling department, Chopra suggested that SRH would use Jaydev Unadkat, Harshal Patel, and Shivam Mavi, with either Zeeshan Ansari or Shivang Kumar as the spinner. Mavi can handle the new ball, while Harshal can perform well during the death overs. Carse adds versatility, allowing for varied bowling strategies.
“After that, Jaydev Unadkat, Harshal Patel, Zeeshan Ansari/Shivang Kumar/Shivam Mavi. This is the kind of setup that you need to have. I see Shivam Mavi playing. He can bowl with the new ball, and Harshal Patel can handle the tail. Brydon Carse can bowl at both ends, and then you can use either Shivang Kumar or Zeeshan Ansari in the middle,” he added.
Chopra emphasized that SRH must utilize their all-rounders effectively, particularly Liam Livingstone, Travis Head, and Abhishek Sharma. He predicted Ishan Kishan to be the top run-scorer and Harshal Patel the leading wicket-taker for the team this season.
“You will have to use the all-rounders a little more, with Liam Livingstone, and a few overs from Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma. Who could be this team’s highest run-scorer? I would say Ishan Kishan. Highest wicket-taker? I would say Harshal Patel,” Chopra speculated.
Sunrisers Hyderabad will kick off their campaign against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 28.
