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The 2016 champions Sunrisers Hyderabad are ready to start their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 journey with a big match against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The exciting Southern derby will be played on March 28 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
SRH did not have a great season in IPL 2025. The team finished sixth on the points table with 13 points, winning six matches and losing seven. Even though they won their last three games, it was not enough to reach the playoffs. This year, with a refreshed squad and some talented youngsters, SRH will aim to win their second IPL title after 11 years.
SRH Strongest Playing 11 for IPL 2026 (AI Analysis)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Travis Head
- Ishan Kishan (C)
- Heinrich Klaasen (WK)
- Aniket Verma
- Liam Livingstone
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Harshal Patel
- Harsh Dubey
- Brydon Carse
- Jaydev Unadkat
Impact Player: Zeeshan Ansari
Openers: Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head
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The opening pair of Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head is known for their aggressive batting. Fans often call them “TraviShek”.
The duo impressed everyone in the 2024 IPL season with their attacking style and high strike rate. Although they were not as consistent last year, they still remain a dangerous pair. SRH will expect them to give strong and quick starts in IPL 2026.
Middle Order: Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen, Aniket Verma
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The middle order looks powerful with players like Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen, and Aniket Verma.
Ishan Kishan will lead the team this season and is likely to bat at number three. Heinrich Klaasen, who is also the wicketkeeper, is one of the most dangerous T20 batters and can hit big shots easily. Aniket Verma, who impressed last season, will add more power in the middle order.
Together, these three players can keep the run rate high and put pressure on the opposition bowlers.
All-Rounders: Liam Livingstone and Nitish Kumar Reddy
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SRH made a big move in the auction by signing Liam Livingstone for INR 13 crore. Livingstone is known for his powerful hitting and useful spin bowling.
Although he has played for teams like Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, he has not yet had a very successful IPL season. Playing for SRH could give him a fresh start.
Also Read: IPL 2026: PBKS Strongest Playing 11 for IPL 2026 (AI Analysis)
Another key all-rounder is Nitish Kumar Reddy. He had a great season in 2024 when SRH reached the final. However, his performance dropped last year. In IPL 2026, he will hope to return to his best form.
Pace Bowling: Harshal Patel, Jaydev Unadkat, Brydon Carse
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SRH made a surprising decision by releasing Mohammed Shami before the new season. Also, regular captain Pat Cummins may miss the first few matches.
Because of this, the fast-bowling responsibility will mainly be on Harshal Patel and Jaydev Unadkat, both experienced bowlers who have won the Purple Cap in past IPL seasons.
They will likely be supported by England pacer Brydon Carse, who could play the early matches of the tournament.
Sri Lankan pacer Eshan Malinga is another option, but he is currently recovering from an injury during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.
Spin Department: Harsh Dubey
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Young spinner Harsh Dubey could be the main spinner in the playing XI. The left-arm spinner has shown good control and can play an important role in the middle overs.
However, he will face competition from leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari, who impressed many fans with his performance last season.
Impact Player Option
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SRH may use Zeeshan Ansari as their Impact Player to add extra bowling strength. Other young bowlers like Shivam Mavi could also be used depending on match conditions.
Bench Strength
SRH also has several backup players who can be used during the season:
- Krains Fuletra / Kamindu Mendis: All-rounders who can contribute with both bat and ball.
- Shivam Mavi / Eshan Malinga: Fast bowling options.
- Amit Kumar / Onkar Tarmale: Additional pace bowlers.
- Zeeshan Ansari: A talented leg-spinner and strong impact option.
Also Read: IPL 2026: Rajasthan Royals Strongest Playing 11 (AI Analysis)
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