IPL 2026 Best Playing 11 for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) Team
With Pat Cummins, the Overseas leader, explore the best predicted playing 11 for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.
When it comes to explosive batting, the Sunrisers Hyderabad arguably sit at the very top of the list. With power-hitters like Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan, and Heinrich Klaasen in their ranks, SRH possess one of the most destructive top orders in the Indian Premier League. On flat surfaces, this lineup has the ability to overwhelm opposition attacks and shift momentum within a few overs. The 2024 season was a defining moment, as SRH rebranded themselves as a batting powerhouse and rode their aggressive approach all the way to a runners-up finish.
However, such a high-risk, high-reward strategy comes with its vulnerabilities. While 2024 showcased the upside of fearless intent, the 2025 season exposed the downside when the same approach failed to deliver consistent results. On pitches offering assistance to bowlers, especially those with grip or movement, SRH’s ultra-aggressive style has occasionally led to collapses and momentum swings. Their template works brilliantly when execution aligns with conditions, but it can unravel quickly when adaptability is required.
So, the big question ahead of IPL 2026 is whether SRH will persist with the same attacking blueprint or introduce tactical refinements. With a few positive squad adjustments made in the auction, how does their best playing XI shape up? What does the overall team composition look like, and where do their strengths and weaknesses truly lie? Let’s break down the complete SRH squad and predict their ideal playing 11 combination for IPL 2026.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) Full Squad and Complete Players List for IPL 2026
Batters
- Aniket Verma
- Smaran Ravichandran
- Travis Head (FO)
Wicket-keepers
- Heinrich Klaasen (FO)
- Ishan Kishan
- Salil Arora
All-rounders
- Abhishek Sharma
- Brydon Carse (FO)
- Jack Edwards (FO)
- Kamindu Mendis (FO)
- Liam Livingstone (FO)
- Nitish Reddy
- Shivang Kumar
Bowlers
- Amit Kumar
- Ehsan Malinga (FO)
- Harsh Dubey
- Harshal Patel
- Jaydev Unadkat
- Krains Fuletra
- Onkar Tarmale
- Pat Cummins (FO)
- Praful Hinge
- Sakib Hussain
- Shivam Mavi
- Zeeshan Ansari
Starting with the batting order, the Sunrisers Hyderabad top five remains largely unchanged, reflecting continuity in their attacking philosophy. Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head form one of the most aggressive opening pairs in T20 cricket, capable of dismantling bowling attacks inside the powerplay. They are followed by Ishan Kishan, who arrives in IPL 2026 with strong momentum after his impactful T20 World Cup performances. At number four, Heinrich Klaasen adds proven middle-order firepower, making the top four among the most destructive in the league. Nitish Reddy slots in at five, offering the flexibility to either consolidate or accelerate depending on match context.
Beyond the settled core, the addition of Liam Livingstone at number six strengthens SRH’s finishing department. While recent form may raise minor concerns, Livingstone’s ability to clear boundaries consistently makes him a high-impact asset in crunch situations. At number seven, young Aniket Verma fits seamlessly into SRH’s aggressive template, capable of delivering quick-fire cameos that can tilt momentum. Together, this batting lineup reinforces SRH’s identity as one of the most explosive teams heading into IPL 2026.
IPL 2026 Strongest Playing 11 for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Travis Head
- Ishan Kishan
- Heinrich Klaasen
- Nitish Reddy
- Liam Livingstone
- Aniket Verma
- Pat Cummins (c)
- Harsh Dubey
- Harshal Patel
- Jaydev Unadkat
- Zeeshan Ansari (Impact Player)
Turning to the bowling combination, the Sunrisers Hyderabad will rely heavily on captain Pat Cummins, who not only leads the pace attack but also contributes valuable lower-order hitting. As the fourth overseas option, Cummins anchors the seam department alongside experienced Indian pacers Harshal Patel and Jaydev Unadkat, providing a mix of variations and death-overs expertise. On the spin front, Zeeshan Ansari is expected to shoulder primary responsibility, supported by Harsh Dubey in the middle overs. However, when compared to other IPL 2026 contenders, SRH’s bowling unit appears relatively light in proven match-winners. While the batting remains their biggest strength, the bowling department could be a potential area of vulnerability against stronger and more balanced sides.
In conclusion, the Sunrisers Hyderabad head into IPL 2026 as one of the most explosive batting units in the competition, with a top order capable of overwhelming any bowling attack on their day. Their aggressive template remains their biggest strength, but it also brings inherent risk if conditions favour bowlers. While the addition of experienced names adds balance, the bowling department still appears slightly thin compared to other contenders. Ultimately, SRH’s campaign could hinge on whether their power-packed batting consistently outweighs their bowling vulnerabilities in IPL 2026.
ALSO READ: IPL 2026 All 10 Teams Complete Best All Rounders List Revealed
So, that’s about the full IPL 2026 best playing 11 for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). What’s your playing 11 combination for SRH? Please email your thoughts to ipladdafounder@gmail.com.
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