Ambrish replaces Mavi at SRH for IPL 2026, U-19 World Cup star joins for ₹30 lakh
Synopsis
SRH's injury crisis deepens, but the franchise struck gold in the U-19 World Cup pool. Ambrish, India's joint-highest wicket-taker in Zimbabwe and Namibia with 11 scalps, now gets his IPL break at ₹30 lakh. For a team sitting third with momentum, the 19-year-old's seam and left-hand batting could prove the difference in a crowded middle order.
Key Takeaways
RS Ambrish signed by SRH as injury replacement for Shivam Mavi for IPL 2026 .
Ambrish, a Chennai -based right-arm medium pacer and left-handed batter, joins for ₹30 lakh .
The 19-year-old was joint-highest wicket-taker in India's ICC U-19 World Cup -winning campaign with 11 wickets in Zimbabwe and Namibia .
SRH are on a five-match winning streak and sit third on the points table .
This is SRH's third replacement signing this season; the franchise also brought in Gerald Coetzee and Dilshan Madushanka .
Sunrisers Hyderabad have signed RS Ambrish, a right-arm medium pacer and left-handed batter, as an injury replacement for Shivam Mavi for the remainder of IPL 2026. Mavi has been ruled out due to a groin injury, forcing the franchise to bolster its pace unit. Ambrish will join the squad for ₹30 lakh, according to an IPL statement released on Friday.
Rising star from India's U-19 triumph
Ambrish, based in Chennai, was a standout performer in India's ICC Men's Under-19 World Cup-winning campaign earlier this year in Zimbabwe and Namibia. He finished as joint-highest wicket-taker for the Indian team with 11 wickets, playing a crucial role in guiding the squad to the title. His dual skill set — seam bowling and left-handed batting — has marked him as one of the brightest young prospects in the Indian cricket talent pool.
SRH's injury woes and replacements
Ambrish is the third replacement signing for SRH this season. In April, the franchise brought in South African pacer Gerald Coetzee to replace David Payne, who was ruled out with an ankle injury. Payne, an English fast bowler, himself had been signed as a replacement for Australia all-rounder Jack Edwards, sidelined due to a foot injury. Additionally, Sri Lankan left-arm quick Dilshan Madushanka was added to the roster after Brydon Carse suffered a hand injury during net sessions.
SRH's current form and next fixture
The 2016 IPL champions are riding a five-match winning streak and sit at third spot on the points table. Under Pat Cummins, the franchise will next host three-time winners Kolkata Knight Riders in an afternoon clash at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Sunday.
What's ahead
With Ambrish's addition, SRH now has additional depth in its bowling attack heading into the business end of the tournament. The franchise will look to maintain its momentum as it prepares for the knockout stage.
Point of View
But IPL pace is a different beast — Indian seamers often struggle early against the short ball and slog overs. That said, with Mavi out, SRH had limited options. The real question is whether Ambrish can handle the step-up in intensity, or whether this is a gamble that backfires in a knockout race where SRH's margin for error is thin.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is RS Ambrish and why has SRH signed him?
RS Ambrish is a right-arm medium pacer and left-handed batter from Chennai who was joint-highest wicket-taker in India's ICC Men's Under-19 World Cup-winning campaign with 11 wickets. SRH signed him for ₹30 lakh as an injury replacement for Shivam Mavi, who was ruled out with a groin injury.
What was Ambrish's performance in the U-19 World Cup?
Ambrish finished as joint-highest wicket-taker for India in the U-19 World Cup held in Zimbabwe and Namibia earlier in 2026, claiming 11 wickets. He played a crucial role in guiding India to the tournament title.
How many replacement players has SRH signed this season?
SRH has signed three replacement players: Gerald Coetzee (for David Payne), Dilshan Madushanka (for Brydon Carse), and RS Ambrish (for Shivam Mavi). These signings reflect the franchise's efforts to manage a series of injury setbacks.
What is SRH's current standing in IPL 2026?
SRH are on a five-match winning streak and sit at third spot on the points table. The franchise will next face Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
