IPL 2026: 3 players SRH can sign to replace Pat Cummins if he misses out

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) were one of the biggest success stories of the recent IPL cycle. Under the direction of Patrick CumminsSRH have reinvented themselves, going from perennial finishers at the bottom of the order to the most ruthless and striking unit in the league. Their ultra-aggressive brand of cricket, with bat and ball, not only delivered results but also reshaped the team’s identity. However, as the franchise looks towards IPL 2026, a crucial question arises: what if Cummins is unavailable?

Cummins is currently dealing with a nagging back injury. During the current period Ashes 2025-2026The Australian skipper only featured in one Test, missing the first two matches and then being ruled out of the final two after the third match to protect his long-term fitness. With Australia’s busy international schedule and Cummins’ importance across all formats, SRH cannot afford to be caught off guard.

Why does SSR need a solid emergency plan?

Replacing Cummins isn’t just about finding another fast bowler overseas. His value to SRH went far beyond 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 would be as much psychological as tactical.

Fortunately for the Orange Army, the IPL 2026 auction unsold pool offers several high-quality options. These players may not exactly replicate Cummins, but they can help SRH preserve the aggressive model that has defined its resurgence.

3 players SRH can sign to replace Pat Cummins for IPL 2026

1) Gerald Coetzee

If SRH wants to retain the ‘fear factor’ that Cummins has injected into their pace attack, Gerald Coetzee presents itself as the most natural fit. One of the surprises of the 2026 auction was that Coetzee remained unsold at its base price of ₹2 crore, despite his proven impact at the international level.

Why SRH should sign him: Coetzee perfectly reflects today’s SSR culture. He plays with hostility, thrives on confrontation and hits hard lengths that force hitters onto the back foot. Just like Cummins, he brings a visible intensity that lifts the entire bowling unit.

Replacement value: From an early age, Coetzee offers long-term returns. He’s also no liability with the bat, capable of delivering some big blows at No. 8 – a trait SRH greatly appreciates in Cummins in close matches.

ALSO READ: IPL 2026: 3 players RCB can sign to replace Josh Hazlewood if he misses

2) Alzarri Joseph

Another major name to slip through the cracks during the 2026 auction was Alzarri Joseph. With franchises being reserved for overseas quicks, Joseph has not found any buyers, but for SRH he could be a strategic goldmine.

Why SRH should sign him: Cummins’ biggest weapon was his ability to exploit rebounds, especially on truer surfaces. Joseph offers the same attribute in abundance. With an express pace consistently above 90 mph, he can intimidate top orders and set the tone from the start.

Tactical adjustment: SRH play half of their matches in Hyderabad, where rebounding can be a deciding factor. With explosive hitters like Travis Head at the top, the team needs a bowler who can apply instant pressure. Joseph, who still holds the record for the best bowling figures in IPL history, fulfills this role perfectly.

3) Daryl Mitchell

While pace is an obvious area of ​​concern, SRH could also look to replace Cummins’ leadership presence rather than his raw skills. In this context, Daryl Mitchell appears to be an interesting option. Despite being unsold at ₹2 crore, Mitchell brings immense tactical depth.

Why it is suitable: With Liam Livingstone already part of the SRH setup for 2026, Mitchell adds balance rather than brute strength. He is among the best spinners in world cricket and acts as a stabilizing bridge between SRH’s explosive openers and power hitters.

The “Orignal” factor: Mitchell’s intelligent cricket brain could partly compensate for Cummins’ absence. Its mid-paced variations are effective on slower tracks, providing SRH flexibility when the express pace is removed.

ALSO READ: Not CSK! Amit Mishra predicts IPL 2026 top 4