Sunrisers Hyderabad Probable Playing 11 for IPL 2026: Abhishek and Head to open, Livingstone in..
SRH Probable Playing 11: After a rollercoaster 2025 season where they finished 6th despite flashes of brilliance, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) enter the 2026 season with a renewed sense of purpose. The “Orange Army” has doubled down on their aggressive philosophy, retaining their core leadership under Pat Cummins and making a massive splash in the mini-auction by securing Liam Livingstone for Rs 13 crore.
As a cricket expert, I’ve analyzed the squad depth, domestic form, and tactical requirements to predict SRH’s strongest playing XI for the 2026 campaign.
The ‘Power-Hitter’ Blueprint
The heartbeat of SRH’s batting is Abhishek Sharma. After scoring over 400 runs in the last two seasons at a strike rate nearing 200, he is arguably the most dangerous Indian T20 opener right now.
The man for the big occasion, Travis Head provides the left-handed aggression that complements Abhishek perfectly. His ability to dismantle powerplays is central to SRH’s “attack first” strategy.
The Rejuvenated Middle Order
Following his move from Mumbai Indians, Kishan has found a home at No. 3. His ability to anchor while maintaining a high strike rate provides the stability SRH often lacked in 2025.
Statistically the best spin-basher in the world. With an average of 44.27 and a strike rate of 172.69 last season, Klaasen remains the team’s most reliable match-winner in the middle overs.
The rising star of Indian cricket. As a genuine pace-bowling all-rounder, his growth allows SRH to play an extra specialist bowler or batter depending on the pitch.
The Finishers and All-Rounders
The “X-Factor” signing. Bought for Rs 13 crore, Livingstone adds terrifying power-hitting at No. 6 and provides a versatile bowling option (both leg-spin and off-spin).
After a breakout domestic season, Aniket Verma is expected to play the role of the “young gun” finisher. He proved his temperament in high-pressure chases last year and offers a fearless batting approach.
Leading for a third consecutive year, Pat Cummins provides lower-order cameos with the bat and remains the leader of the pack with the ball.
The Bowling Battery
The “Purple Cap” contender, Harshal Patel with his deceptive slower balls and cutters are essential for the flat tracks at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
Picked up in the auction to provide raw pace and swing with the new ball. Shivam Mavi’s ability to hit 140+ kmph gives SRH the early breakthrough potential they missed after trading Mohammed Shami.
The primary spinner. Zeeshan Ansari’s leg-spin has been the talk of the domestic circuit, and he is expected to control the middle-overs flow.
Why this playing 11 works
The 2026 version of SRH is built to out-bat the opposition. With power-hitters down to No. 8 and five genuine bowling options (plus part-time spin from Abhishek and Livingstone), this team is perfectly balanced. The key will be the form of the Indian domestic pacers; if Mavi and Patel can contain runs at the death, SRH is a lock for the Playoffs.
SRH Probable Playing 11
Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen, Liam Livingstone, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Aniket Verma, Pat Cummins (C), Harshal Patel, Jaydev Unadkat, Zeeshan Ansari.