Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) has been one of the biggest success stories of the recent IPL era. under his leadership Pat CumminsSRH have transformed themselves from perennial bottom-table finishers to the most ruthless, boundary-smashing unit in the league. Their brand of ultra-aggressive cricket with both bat and ball not only produced results but also reshaped the team’s identity. However, as the franchise looks ahead to IPL 2026, a crucial question arises: What if Cummins is not available?
Cummins is currently managing an ongoing back injury. During the ongoing period Ashes 2025–26the Australian skipper played just one Test, missing the first two matches and then was ruled out of the last two after the third game to preserve his long-term fitness. With Australia’s packed international schedule and Cummins’ importance across formats, SRH cannot afford to be caught unprepared.
Why SRH need a strong backup plan?
Replacing Cummins is not just about finding another overseas fast bowler. His value for SRH was far from the wickets. Cummins brought calm leadership, tactical clarity and a relentless edge that perfectly complemented SRH’s fearless batting line-up. If he misses IPL 2026, the void will be psychological as well as tactical.
Fortunately for the Orange Army, the unsold pool from the IPL 2026 auction offers several high-quality picks. These players may not exactly replicate Cummins, but they can help SRH maintain the aggressive plan that has defined their resurgence.
3 players SRH can sign to replace Pat Cummins for IPL 2026
1) Gerald Coetzee
If SRH want to retain the ‘fear factor’ that Cummins has injected into their pace attack, Gerald Coetzee stands out as the most natural fit. One of the surprises of the 2026 auction was that Coetzee did not sell for the base price of ₹2 crore, despite his proven influence at the international level.
Why SRH should sign him: Coetzee perfectly reflects the current SRH culture. He is hostile, thrives in the opposition and hits hard lengths that force the shots onto the back foot. Like Cummins, he brings a visible intensity that lifts the entire bowling unit.
Replacement cost: At a young age, Coetzee offers long-term returns. He is also not a liability with the bat capable of hitting a few big shots at No.8 – a trait SRH have come to appreciate in Cummins during tight matches.
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2) Alzarri Joseph
Another major name to slip through the cracks at the 2026 auction Alzarri Joseph. With the franchise spoiled for overseas shopping, Joseph has found no takers, but for SRH, he could be a strategic gold mine.
Why SRH should sign him: Cummins’ biggest weapon was his ability to use bounce, especially on straighter surfaces. Joseph presents the same characteristic in many ways. With a fast top speed of over 145 kmph, he can intimidate the top order and set the tone early on.
Tactical Compatibility: SRH play half of their matches in Hyderabad where bounce could be the deciding factor. A team with explosive batsmen like Travis Head at the top needs a bowler who can apply instant pressure. Joseph, who still holds the record for the best bowling figures in IPL history, fits the role perfectly.
3) Daryl Mitchell
While pace is an obvious area of concern, SRH can also replace Cummins’ leadership rather than his raw skill set. In this context, Daryl Mitchell appears as an interesting option. Despite not being sold at ₹2 crore, Mitchell brings great tactical depth.
Why it fits: With Liam Livingstone already part of the SRH set-up for 2026, Mitchell adds more balance than raw power. He is one of the best players of spin in world cricket and acts as a stabilizing bridge between SRH’s explosive openers and power hitters.
“Moose” factor: Mitchell’s street-smart cricket brain can partially compensate for Cummins’ absence. Its mid-tempo variations are effective on slower tracks and SRH offers flexibility when the fast tempo is set aside.
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