IPL 2026: Aakash Chopra's SRH XI vs RCB with Malinga
Synopsis
With IPL 2026 kicking off, Aakash Chopra reveals his ideal playing XI for Sunrisers Hyderabad, replacing Pat Cummins with Eshan Malinga. Discover the strategic changes and key players ahead of their match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru!
Key Takeaways
Ishan Kishan takes over as captain for SRH.
Eshan Malinga fills in for Pat Cummins .
The batting order is crucial, especially for Nitish Kumar Reddy .
Top four batters remain unchanged with Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head opening.
Three Indian pace bowlers selected alongside Malinga.
New Delhi, March 28 (NationPress) Aakash Chopra, the former Indian opener, has selected his optimal playing XI for the 2016 champions Sunrisers Hyderabad as they gear up for their first match against the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru this Saturday.
Sunrisers Hyderabad faces a significant setback ahead of IPL 2026, as their captain, Pat Cummins, is expected to miss the initial matches. In his absence, India's T20 World Cup 2026 champion, Ishan Kishan, will take on the leadership role.
With Cummins out, SRH has several alternatives to consider for the playing XI, including all-rounder Brydon Carse, David Payne, and Eshan Malinga. Aakash Chopra has opted for the Sri Lankan fast bowler, believing the team's bowling attack requires a specialist for the death overs.
Chopra has also emphasized that the SRH management should position Nitish Kumar Reddy no lower than number 5 in the batting order. "The second major question they face is how to utilize Nitish Kumar Reddy effectively. They haven't determined the best batting position for him yet. I suggest he should bat at No. 5, but he often finds himself at No. 6 or even No. 4 occasionally. They've struggled to establish a consistent role for him," he expressed in a video on X.
The top four batters remain unchanged, with Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head slated to open, followed by Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen in the third and fourth slots. To bolster the finishing capabilities, Chopra has included Liam Livingstone at number 6 and Sahil Arora, who is currently in excellent form, at number 7.
The cricketer-turned-commentator has chosen three Indian pace bowlers: Harshal Patel, Shivam Mavi, and Jaydev Unadkat, alongside Malinga.
For the spin department, Zeeshan Ansari and Shivang Kumar are highlighted as impactful player options.
Aakash Chopra's predicted playing XI includes: Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan (c), Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Liam Livingstone, Sahil Arora, Harshal Patel, Shivam Mavi, Jaydev Unadkat, and Eshan Malinga.
Impact player: Zeeshan Ansari or Shivang Kumar
Point of View
Aakash Chopra's insights into Sunrisers Hyderabad's lineup reflect a careful strategic consideration amid Pat Cummins' absence. The emphasis on a robust bowling attack and the proper utilization of Nitish Kumar Reddy indicates a focused approach to tackle the defending champions, RCB.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is leading SRH in IPL 2026?
Ishan Kishan will lead Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2026 due to Pat Cummins' absence.
Who has replaced Pat Cummins in the SRH XI?
Eshan Malinga has been chosen to replace Pat Cummins in the Sunrisers Hyderabad playing XI.
What position should Nitish Kumar Reddy bat at?
Aakash Chopra suggests that Nitish Kumar Reddy should bat at No. 5 in the batting order.
What is Aakash Chopra's predicted SRH playing XI?
Aakash Chopra's predicted XI includes Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan (c), Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Liam Livingstone, Salil Arora, Harshal Patel, Shivam Mavi, Jaydev Unadkat, and Eshan Malinga.
Who are the impact players for SRH?
Zeeshan Ansari and Shivang Kumar are identified as impact player options for Sunrisers Hyderabad.
