IPL 2026: Pat Cummins Confirmed as Sunrisers Hyderabad Captain for Third Straight Season

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) has officially announced that Australian star Pat Cummins will continue as the team’s captain for the 2026 IPL season. This marks Cummins’ third consecutive year leading the Orange Army.

SRH’s decision comes despite a mixed run in the previous season, where the franchise managed to win only 6 of 14 matches, finishing sixth on the points table. Under Cummins, SRH had reached the IPL 2024 final, ending that season as runners-up.

Cummins’ Leadership Record

In a space of two seasons under his captaincy, Cummins led SRH in 30 games, winning 15 and losing 14. The team drew another game.

He is missing out on the early Ashes Test in Perth following his back injury and Steve Smith takes over as Captain, but Cummins is expected to be well prepared for Brisbane Test from 19 November.

Cummins’ Journey with SRH

The 31-year-old fast bowler took charge of SRH in IPL 2024, shortly after being bought for a massive ₹20.50 crore in the mega auction. His appointment came on the back of his World Test Championship and 2023 ODI World Cup triumphs with Australia.

While SRH showed strong promise in his debut season, even reaching the final, their performance dipped in 2025. Yet, the management has once again placed full confidence in Cummins’ leadership for the upcoming season.

Squad Changes Ahead of IPL 2026

Ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, SRH made key changes to their lineup.

The franchise traded Mohammed Shami (₹10 crore) to Lucknow Super Giants.

They also released spinners Adam Zampa and Rahul Chahar, signaling a refreshed bowling strategy for the new season.

SRH Retained Players for IPL 2026

Pat Cummins (C), Travis Head, Abhishek Sharman, Aniket Verma, R. Smaran, Eshan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen, Nitish Reddy, Harsh Dubey, Kamindu Mendis, Harshal Patel, Brydon Carse, Jaydev Unadkat, Eshan Malinga, Zeeshan Ansari.