The IPL 2026 season is approaching, but Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) is already facing a challenge. Their captain and leading fast bowler, Pat Cummins, is dealing with back injury issues, putting his participation in the tournament at risk.
Since IPL 2025, Cummins has struggled with this back injury, which has sidelined him from competitive Cricket. He missed playing for Australia and was unable to join the T20 World Cup. SRH is closely monitoring his recovery as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Cummins is not only SRH’s captain but also their premier fast bowler. He plays a crucial role in all phases of the game, making his absence significant due to his leadership and bowling skills.
If Cummins is unable to play in IPL 2026, SRH will need to find a replacement. Here are four players they might consider.
4 Players SRH Can Target if Pat Cummins is Ruled Out of IPL 2026
Sean Abbott
Sean Abbott is a strong candidate for SRH as a direct replacement for Cummins. The Australian bowler has a similar style and approach. He effectively uses various deliveries to succeed during the powerplay and middle overs.
Abbott has extensive T20 experience, playing over 200 matches and taking 269 wickets. His average of 21.44 reflects his wicket-taking capability, and his economy rate of 8.62 adds to his reliability.
He remains composed in high-pressure situations and understands how the game unfolds. This makes him a ready-made replacement for SRH.
Gerald Coetzee
Gerald Coetzee offers a fresh option with his raw pace and aggression, which SRH lacks in their current lineup. He bowls at speeds exceeding 145 kmph, making him a threat with his bounce and aggressive style.
Coetzee has taken 101 wickets in 80 T20 matches. While his economy rate is a bit high at 8.91, his wicket-taking ability makes him a strong choice.
Despite facing injuries in recent years, Coetzee could provide valuable skills to SRH if they decide to take a chance on him.
Alzarri Joseph
Alzarri Joseph, a fast bowler from the West Indies, is another solid option. His height and speed give him an edge, producing extra bounce that can trouble batsmen, especially on Indian pitches.
Joseph has collected 62 wickets in 45 T20I matches, albeit with a higher economy rate of 9.24. Still, he is known for breaking partnerships and taking key wickets for his team.
For SRH, Joseph would serve as both a middle-overs and strike bowler.
Daryl Mitchell
If SRH prioritizes leadership over speed, Daryl Mitchell is an intriguing option. Though he went unsold previously, Mitchell demonstrates calmness, tactical awareness, and versatility in his gameplay.
He excels against spin, providing stability in the middle order. His medium-pace bowling suits slower pitches, and his cricketing acumen could help fill Cummins’ role as captain.
Mitchell would contribute to team balance, especially with Liam Livingstone already in the squad. He showcased his ability to score well on Indian pitches during a recent series against India. Additionally, his experience as a bowler makes him a worthwhile consideration for SRH.
