Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) took some smart decisions in the mega action of IPL (IPL 2026) on 16th December. Although it was a bit disappointing in the last season, this time it is ready to enter the arena with new strategies and a strong squad. The team’s batting line-up has been strengthened by the huge purchase of England all-rounder Liam Livingstone at the auction. With this in mind, let us now see how the SRH Final Team (Playing XI) is going to be for the IPL 2026 season.
IPL 2026 Openers: Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma
There may be no change in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s opening pairing. Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, who have terrorized the opposition with their devastating batting in previous seasons, are likely to open the innings. The fact that these two are currently in good form is a plus point for the team. They are no match for running up the scoreboard in the Powerplay.
Middle order: Ishan Kishan, Nitish Reddy, Klaasen and Livingstone
SRH have many options when it comes to the middle order. Wicket-keeper batsman Ishan Kishan, who has been in excellent form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, has a chance to bat at No.3. Heinrich Klaasen, who is the backbone of the middle order, and young sensation Nitish Kumar Reddy will break out with heavy shots.
R. who is consistently performing on behalf of Karnataka in domestic cricket. Smaran (R Smaran) is likely to get a place in the final team. Star all-rounder Liam Livingstone is ready to rain sixes at the end, i.e. in the death overs. An added strength for the team is that Livingstone can also spin bowling if needed.
Bowling Department: Pat Cummins (Captain), Harshal Patel, Mavi
Pat Cummins will captain the SRH team in IPL 2026 as well. He is responsible for leading the bowling force. Along with Cummins, Harshal Patel and Shivam Mavi will be key in the pace bowling department. Harshal Patel in particular is adept at taking wickets in the death overs with his slower balls. However, Shivam Mavi’s form will be crucial for the team as other Indian pacers were not taken seriously in the auction. In the spin department, Zeeshan Ansari will take charge as the main spinner. Harsh Dubey can be a good option on spin-friendly pitches. Also, the services of veteran pacer Jaydev Unadkat are also likely to be utilized as an impact player in the home ground matches.
All in all, Sunrisers Hyderabad under the leadership of Cummins look determined to win the cup this time.
Final Team (Probable XI):
Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan (wicket keeper), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen, Aniket Verma, Liam Livingstone, Pat Cummins (captain), Harshal Patel, Shivam Mavi, Zeeshan Ansari.
