Pat Cummins to continue as SRH captain in IPL 2026

Despite the recent injury threats, Pat Cummins is set to continue as the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for the IPL 2026 season. A recent social media post of SRH has hinted about their decision to trust captain Cummins for another season. 

In the previous Indian Premier League campaign (IPL 2025), where on pen and paper SRH probably had the best batting attack, they could not even qualify for the round of four. After that it was speculated that the team management could change in the leadership role. But their recent social media post has suggested that the Australian star will continue with them as their leader. Despite the setback in IPL 2025, SRH team management holds on to their key members for another season. 

Pat Cummins has been recovering from injury, eyeing getting back into competitive matches through the 2nd Test of The Ashes. As per reports, the pacer has already started his blowing practice. In his absence, Steven Smith will lead Australia in the series opener against England from November 21. The 31-year-old took over SRH's captaincy in 2024 after being acquired for a staggering INR 20.50 crore at the auction. It will be his third consecutive season as the SRH captain. 

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Sunrisers Hyderabad squad for IPL 2026 ahead of the mini auction: 

Players Retained: Pat Cummins (c), Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Aniket Verma, R. Smaran, Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harsh Dubey, Kamindu Mendis, Harshal Patel, Brydon Carse, Jaydev Unadkat, Eshan Malinga, Zeeshan Ansari.

Players Released: Adam Zampa, Rahul Chahar, Wiaan Mulder, Abhinav Manohar, Atharva Taide, Sachin Baby, Simarjeet Singh.

Traded Out: Mohammed Shami to Lucknow Super Giants.

Remaining Purse: Rs 25.5 crore.