Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have received a mix of encouraging and challenging updates ahead of the IPL 2026 season, with captain Pete Cummins set to join the squad, but not immediately available for leadership duties. According to Cricbuzz, SRH captain Pete Cummins is expected to arrive in India on March 24, 2026, as the franchise begins its final preparations for the new season. However, a back injury will keep the Australian pacer out of the early stages of the tournament. Cummins will continue his rehabilitation with the SRH medical staff, and the franchise is taking a cautious approach to ensure a full recovery before returning to competitive action.
Ishan Kishan To lead in the opening games
In Cummins’ absence, Ishan Kishan will act as interim captain for the first 5-6 matches of the season. Kishan is also set to represent SRH at the captains’ meeting in Mumbai on March 25, indicating the team management’s confidence in his leadership for the initial phase.The temporary change in leadership comes at a crucial time, with SRH set to face defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their season opener on March 28 at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Malinga’s clearance gave the SRH squad a boost.
In more positive news, Sri Lankan pacer Ishan Malinga has received his No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Sri Lanka Cricket, clearing him to participate in IPL 2026. The 25-year-old right-arm pacer is expected to join the SRH camp in Hyderabad on March 24, bolstering the team’s pace attack ahead of the tournament. He will be paired with fellow Sri Lankan and all-rounder Kamindu Mendis, who has already received clearance.SRH Squad for IPL 2026: Pat Cummins (C), Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Aniket Verma, R Simran, Ishan Kishan, Henrik Klaasen, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harsh DubeyKamindu Mendes, Harshal Patel, Bryden Kars, Jaydev Anadakat, Ishaan Malinga, Zeeshan AnsariLiam Livingstone, Shivam Mavi, Salil Arora, Shivang Kumar, Omkar Trimle, Cranes Foletra, Parful Henge, Amit Kumar, Saqib Hussain, Jack Edwards
