Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) Has been one of the biggest success stories of the recent IPL cycle. pat cummins Under his leadership, SRH transformed themselves from a perpetually last-placed team into the league’s most ruthless, boundary-hitting unit. His highly aggressive cricket style, with both bat and ball, was not only successful in bringing results but also reshaped the team’s identity. However, as the franchise looks towards IPL 2026, an important question arises: what if Cummins becomes unavailable?
Cummins is currently suffering from a persistent back injury. Ongoing The Ashes 2025–26 In 2007, the Australian captain was able to play in only one Test, missing the first two matches and then being ruled out of the final two after the third match to safeguard his long-term fitness. Given Australia’s busy international calendar and Cummins’ importance across formats, SRH cannot be caught unprepared.
Why does SRH need a strong emergency plan?
Cummins’ replacement is not just about finding another overseas fast bowler. His value addition for SRH was much more than wickets. Cummins brought calm leadership, strategic clarity and a relentless edge that meshed perfectly with SRH’s fearless batting line-up. If he misses IPL 2026, the void will be as important mentally as it is strategically.
Luckily, for the Orange Army, there are a number of high-quality options available in the unsold pool from the IPL 2026 auction. These players may not be exactly like Cummins, but they can help SRH maintain the attacking plan that has defined their comeback.
3 players whom SRH can sign in place of Pat Cummins for IPL 2026
1) Gerald Coetzee
If SRH want to maintain the “fear element” injected by Cummins into their fast bowling, Gerald Coetzee emerge as the most natural choice. Coetzee remaining unsold at his base price of ₹2 crore in the 2026 auction was a surprise, despite his proven impact at international level.
Why SRH should sign him: Coetzee reflects the current SRH culture perfectly. He bowls with hostility, thrives in the face, and bowls tough lengths that push the batsmen back. Like Cummins, he clearly brings intensity that elevates the entire bowling unit.
replacement value: At a young age, Coetzee offers long-term benefits. He is no burden with the bat either, capable of hitting some big shots at No. 8 — a quality that SRH valued highly in Cummins during tight matches.
2) Alzarri Joseph
Another big name that missed out on the 2026 auction was Alzarri JosephWith franchises desperate for foreign fast bowlers, Joseph did not find any takers, but for SRH, he could be a strategic treasure,
Why SRH should sign him: Cummins’ biggest weapon was his ability to exploit his bounce, especially on true surfaces. Joseph provides this quality in abundance. With a blazing pace of over 145 kmph, he is capable of scaring the top order and setting the tone quickly.
Strategic Fit: SRH plays half of its matches in Hyderabad, where bounce could be a deciding factor. With explosive batsmen like Travis Head, the team needs a bowler who can apply pressure immediately. Joseph, who still holds the record for the best bowling figures in IPL history, fits seamlessly into the role.
3) Daryl Mitchell
While fast bowling is an obvious concern, SRH could also look to replace Cummins’ leadership presence, not least his raw skill set. in this context, darryl mitchell Emerges as an interesting option. Despite going unsold for ₹2 crore, Mitchell brings tactical depth.
Why he is fit: With Liam Livingstone already a part of the SRH setup, Mitchell adds balance and not just force. He is one of the best players of spin in world cricket and provides a bridge of stability between SRH’s explosive openers and power-hitters.
The ‘Moose’ Factor: Mitchell’s smart cricketing mind may partially compensate for Cummins’ absence. His medium-pace variations are effective on slower tracks, providing SRH with flexibility when the pace is broken.
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