Mumbai: Australia’s World Cup–winning captain Pat Cummins will continue to lead Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for the third consecutive season in the Indian Premier League. The franchise confirmed the development on Monday through a post on its official X handle, featuring images of Cummins and signalling their continued trust in the star fast bowler’s leadership.
Cummins on the Road to Recovery
Pat Cummins is currently recovering from a back injury and has been ruled out of the first Ashes Test in Perth. However, he is expected to return for the second Test in Brisbane starting December 4. In his absence, Steven Smith will captain Australia in the opening match against England beginning November 21.
Despite this temporary setback, SRH remains firmly committed to Cummins as part of its long-term strategy.
SRH Reaffirms Faith in Their Captain
Cummins took over the captaincy in 2024 after Sunrisers Hyderabad secured him for a record-breaking ₹20.50 crore at the IPL auction—one of the highest bids in tournament history. His signing came on the back of Australia’s dominance in international cricket, including victories in the World Test Championship and the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Before joining SRH, Cummins played for Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals, but his leadership qualities shone most brightly in Orange.
The franchise’s continued trust highlights their belief that Cummins remains central to their revival plans.
Core Squad Retained for IPL 2026
With the announcement of their IPL 2026 squad, SRH has decided to retain its core group. The explosive opening pair of Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head continues to be the backbone of their batting unit. Their blistering starts were crucial to Hyderabad’s resurgence—particularly in IPL 2024 when SRH finished as runners-up.
Maintaining consistency in leadership and top-order firepower suggests that the franchise aims to rebuild stability after mixed performances over the past two seasons.
Significant Overhaul in the Bowling Attack
The major changes for IPL 2026 are in SRH’s bowling department. In a surprising move, the team traded veteran pacer Mohammed Shami to Lucknow Super Giants and released spinners Adam Zampa and Rahul Chahar.
These decisions indicate a strategic reset, potentially giving Cummins more flexibility to redesign an attack that lacked bite during the 2025 season. SRH finished sixth in the points table last year, with six wins, seven losses, and one no-result from 14 matches—falling short of the playoffs.
Looking Ahead
As SRH gears up for IPL 2026, Pat Cummins’ continued captaincy reflects the franchise’s long-term vision. With a stable top order, a refreshed bowling attack, and its trusted leader returning to full fitness, Hyderabad will be aiming for a strong comeback—and another deep run in the tournament.
