IPL 2026: SRH camp gets boost, Captain Pat Cummins to join ahead of season opener

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have received a mix of encouraging and challenging updates ahead of the IPL 2026 season, with captain Pat Cummins set to join the squad, but not immediately available for leadership duties.

According to Cricbuzz, SRH skipper Pat Cummins is expected to arrive in India on March 24, 2026, as the franchise begins its final preparations for the new season. However, a back injury will keep the Australian pacer out of the initial phase of the tournament. Cummins will continue his rehabilitation with the SRH medical staff, and the franchise is taking a cautious approach to ensure full recovery before he returns to competitive action.

Ishan Kishan to lead in opening games

In Cummins’ absence, Ishan Kishan will step in as interim captain for the first 5-6 matches of the season. Kishan is also set to represent SRH at the captains' meeting in Mumbai on March 25, indicating the team management’s confidence in his leadership for the early phase.

This temporary change in leadership comes at a crucial time, with SRH scheduled to face defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the season opener on March 28 at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Malinga clearance boosts SRH squad

In further positive news, Sri Lankan pacer Eshan Malinga has received his No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Sri Lanka Cricket, clearing him to participate in IPL 2026. The 25-year-old right-arm quick is expected to join the SRH camp in Hyderabad on March 24, strengthening the team’s pace attack ahead of the tournament. He will link up with fellow Sri Lankan and all-rounder Kamindu Mendis, who had already 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, Zeeshan Ansari, Liam Livingstone, Shivam Mavi, Salil Arora, Shivang Kumar, Omkar Tarmale, Krains Fuletra, Praful Hinge, Amit Kumar, Sakib Hussain, Jack Edwards

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