Major Setback for SRH as David Payne Exits IPL 2026 Due to Injury
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New Delhi, April 16 (NationPress) A significant setback has struck Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) during the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, as their pace bowler David Payne has been sidelined for the rest of the season due to an ankle injury.
"David Payne has been ruled out of TATA IPL 2026 after sustaining an ankle injury. We wish him a quick recovery," the franchise announced on X, confirming his absence. Nevertheless, the team has yet to reveal a replacement for him.
Payne, who has made just one ODI appearance for England and primarily played domestic cricket, went unsold during the IPL 2026 Auction. However, he was given a chance after being named as the replacement for injured Australian pacer Jack Edwards in the SRH lineup before the season commenced.
He was signed following an impressive performance in the Big Bash League (BBL), where he took 11 wickets in six matches for the Perth Scorchers at an economy rate of 7.95. Unfortunately, he could not replicate that success in the IPL and has now been ruled out of the tournament.
Payne participated in only two matches for SRH, claiming two wickets but struggled with a disappointing economy rate of 14.
On a brighter note, SRH received a positive update on Thursday morning, as their designated captain, Pat Cummins, has successfully passed the fitness test and is set to rejoin the squad shortly. Cummins is expected to play in the SRH vs Rajasthan Royals match on April 25 in Jaipur.
In Cummins' absence, Ishan Kishan has been captaining the team, leading them to two victories out of five matches this season. Currently, they hold the fourth position in the points table with a net run rate of +0.576.
SRH achieved a notable victory over the table toppers, Rajasthan Royals (RR), on Monday, thanks to a stellar bowling performance by debutants Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain, both of whom took four wickets each. RR was bowled out for just 159 runs in 19 overs while chasing a daunting target of 217 runs, resulting in a loss by 57 runs. The 2016 champions will next face five-time titleholders Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Saturday at their home ground, Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Hyderabad.