Will Pat Cummins Remain at the Helm of Sunrisers Hyderabad for IPL 2026?
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Synopsis
Pat Cummins' leadership at Sunrisers Hyderabad continues, as the franchise announces his captaincy for IPL 2026. Despite a recent injury, SRH remains confident in his ability to guide the team as they look to bounce back from a challenging previous season. Discover how Cummins’ past achievements are shaping SRH's strategies.
Key Takeaways
- Pat Cummins retains captaincy for IPL 2026.
- SRH prioritizes his leadership despite current injury.
- Key players like Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head are retained.
- Significant trades and releases aim to strengthen the squad.
- SRH seeks to bounce back after a disappointing IPL 2025 season.
New Delhi, Nov 17 (NationPress) Pat Cummins of Australia is set to retain his captaincy at Sunrisers Hyderabad for a third straight season in the Indian Premier League (IPL), as confirmed by the franchise's official announcement on their 'X' handle.
While the post merely showcased Cummins’ images without an official statement, the implication was clear—SRH continues to place their trust in the Australian fast bowler as they gear up for the 2026 season.
Cummins is presently recuperating from a back issue, which has sidelined him for the opening Ashes Test in Perth. Nevertheless, he is anticipated to be fit for the second Test in Brisbane, commencing December 4. During his absence, Steven Smith will captain Australia against England in the series opener on November 21.
Even with this temporary setback, SRH has expressed unwavering confidence in Cummins’ leadership, reaffirming his pivotal role in their future strategies.
At 31 years old, Cummins took the reins of SRH in 2024 after being acquired for a remarkable ₹20.50 crore at the auction—marking it as one of the highest bids in IPL history. His leadership followed Australia’s impressive international performance, including triumphs in the World Test Championship and the 2023 ODI World Cup. Prior to joining Hyderabad, Cummins played for Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals.
As SRH unveiled their squad for IPL 2026, they retained the core players that fueled their resurgence in recent years. Alongside Cummins, the dynamic opening duo of Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head remain integral to the team’s success. Their explosive starts were key to SRH’s recovery, including a strong performance in IPL 2024 where they finished as runners-up.
In a significant transition, the franchise traded veteran pacer Mohammed Shami to Lucknow Super Giants, while also releasing star spinners Adam Zampa and Rahul Chahar. These decisions seem focused on restructuring the bowling lineup around Cummins’ skills and enhancing squad balance after a disappointing IPL 2025 season where SRH ended sixth, with six wins, seven losses, and one no-result across 14 matches.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize that Pat Cummins' continued leadership at Sunrisers Hyderabad is a strategic move reflecting the franchise's commitment to long-term success. His past achievements and experience in international cricket make him an invaluable asset. SRH's focus on restructuring the team around his strengths indicates their serious intent to enhance performance in the upcoming IPL season.
NationPress
17/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad for IPL 2026?
Pat Cummins will continue as the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad for the IPL 2026 season.
What injury is Pat Cummins currently recovering from?
Pat Cummins is recovering from a back injury that has ruled him out of the first Ashes Test.
What changes were made to the SRH squad for IPL 2026?
SRH traded Mohammed Shami to Lucknow Super Giants and released Adam Zampa and Rahul Chahar while retaining key players like Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head.
