Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have received a mix of encouraging and challenging updates ahead of the IPL 2026 season, with captain Pat Cummins expected to join the team but not immediately available for leadership duties. According to Cricbuzz, SRH captain Pat Cummins is expected to arrive in India on March 24, 2026, when the franchise will begin its final preparations for the new season. However, a back injury will rule the Australian pacer out of the opening phase of the tournament. Cummins will continue his rehabilitation with the SRH medical staff and the franchise is taking a cautious approach to ensure a full recovery before returning to competitive action.
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Ishan Kishan will lead in the opening games
In the absence of Cummins, Ishan Kishan will step in as the interim captain for the first 5-6 matches of the season. Kishan will also represent SRH at the captains’ meet in Mumbai on March 25, indicating the team management’s confidence in his leadership at an early stage.This temporary management change comes at a crucial time, with SRH set to face defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the season opener on March 28 at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Malinga’s dismissal strengthens the SRH squad
In another positive news, Sri Lankan pacer Eshan Malinga has received a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Sri Lanka Cricket, which qualifies him to participate in IPL 2026. The 25-year-old right-arm speedster is expected to join the SRH camp in Hyderabad on March 24, boosting the pace of the team’s attack ahead of the tournament. He will be joined by fellow Sri Lankan and all-rounder Kamindu Mendis, who has secured clearance earlier.SRH Squad for IPL 2026: Pat Cummins (c), Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Aniket Verma, R. Smaran, Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harsh Dubey, Kamindu Mendis, Harshal Patel, Brydon Carse, Jaydev Unadkat, Eshan Malinga, Lieshan Living, Argem Shivastone, Salilvistone, Ansari Kumar, Omkar Tarmale, Krains Fuletra, Praful Hinge, Amit Kumar, Sakib Hussain, Jack Edwards
