Did Pat Cummins Personally Approach Kuldeep Yadav For SRH Move? Major Update Ahead of Mini-Auction News24 –
IPL 2026 Trade Window: The IPL 2026 trade window has already started to stir up plenty of speculation, and one of the most intriguing stories involves Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) captain Pat Cummins and India’s premier wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav.
As per sources close to team circles, Pat Cummins had personally reached out to Kuldeep Yadav last year, sounding him out about a possible move to Sunrisers Hyderabad. The Australian skipper reportedly discussed whether Kuldeep would be interested in joining SRH – a franchise looking to bolster its spin department with a world-class leg-spinner.
SRH’s Hunt for a Quality Leggie
Despite boasting a strong pace attack under Cummins, SRH’s spin unit has been an area of concern. The team has often relied on part-timers and inconsistent options in the middle overs, a phase where IPL matches are often won or lost.
With the IPL 2026 Trade Window open, Hyderabad are actively scouting for a specialist wrist-spinner, someone who can turn games on slow surfaces and complement their fiery fast-bowling trio.
Kuldeep Yadav, who has reinvented his white-ball career with Delhi Capitals, naturally fits the bill. His control, guile, and ability to pick key wickets make him a prized asset in the T20 format.
It’s no surprise then that Cummins, known for his proactive leadership style – personally initiated conversations with the left-arm spinner to gauge his interest.
Will Delhi Capitals Let Kuldeep Go?
However, getting Kuldeep out of Delhi Capitals (DC) won’t be easy. Under Ricky Ponting’s guidance, Kuldeep has become a match-winner, often delivering breakthroughs when DC’s pace unit falters.
His bowling partnership with Axar Patel has been one of Delhi’s few bright spots over the past couple of seasons, and the franchise views him as part of their core group ahead of IPL 2026.
Unless SRH makes a massive trade offer potentially involving a top domestic batter or an overseas all-rounder – it’s unlikely DC will part ways with their premier spinner.
SRH’s Captain-Driven Strategy Under Cummins
Ever since Pat Cummins took over as SRH captain, the franchise has taken on a fresh, data-driven approach. Cummins, known for his tactical awareness, has been given significant influence in player recruitment.
With SRH already expected to revamp their middle order and strengthen their spin attack, Cummins’ outreach to Kuldeep signals how hands-on he is with team building. If SRH manage to land a proven match-winner like Kuldeep, they could transform into one of the most balanced sides ahead of the IPL 2026 mini auction.
Ishan Kishan Unlikely to Be Released
Meanwhile, despite chatter around potential trades, Mumbai Indians (MI) are unlikely to release Ishan Kishan. The wicketkeeper-batter remains a vital part of MI’s plans as they aim to rebuild their batting core around Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma.
Franchise insiders believe Ishan still has the potential to flourish under a refreshed setup, especially after a couple of inconsistent seasons.
So while Kishan might stay put, it’s the SRH-Kuldeep story that could dominate headlines during the trade window.
What It Means Ahead of the IPL 2026 Auction
If SRH’s pursuit of Kuldeep Yadav gains traction, it could trigger a ripple effect across franchises. A move like that might prompt other teams to rethink their spin combinations before the IPL 2026 mini auction.
For now, it’s just a conversation but one that shows how active and strategic teams have become during the trade window. Pat Cummins’ direct involvement only highlights SRH’s ambition to build a champion side ahead of the new IPL cycle.