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David Payne Ruled Out of IPL 2026 with Ankle Injury
Sunrisers Hyderabad have been dealt another injury setback in IPL 2026, with fast bowler David Payne ruled out for the remainder of the season due to an ankle injury. The English seamer, brought in as a replacement for injured Australian quick Jack Edwards, managed only two appearances before being sidelined.
Limited Impact Before Injury
Payne featured in SRH’s opening fixtures of the campaign. Against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, he picked up 2 for 35 in his three overs, showing brief flashes of his wicket-taking ability. However, in the following match versus Kolkata Knight Riders, he returned figures of 0 for 35 in two overs before the injury forced his exit.
His departure adds to a growing list of setbacks in SRH’s pace department, which has struggled with consistency and fitness this season.
Carse Also Out, Madushanka Steps In
Earlier in the season, England allrounder Brydon Carse was ruled out after suffering a hand injury during a net session at the start of the tournament. Carse, who was expected to bolster SRH’s bowling attack, didn’t feature in a single game.
To fill the void, Sunrisers brought in Sri Lankan pacer Dilshan Madushanka as a replacement — a move that now carries even greater significance given Payne’s absence.
Cummins Cleared for Comeback
Amid the injury news, there’s a silver lining for SRH. Captain Pat Cummins has received medical clearance to rejoin the squad following back scans conducted in Sydney. The Australian Test skipper has not played a match this season but is targeting a return during the upcoming clash against Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur on April 25.
Cummins’ potential return comes at a crucial time, offering much-needed leadership and experience to a bowling unit under pressure.
SRH’s Season So Far
In Cummins’ absence, wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has taken charge as stand-in captain. Under his leadership, SRH currently sit in fourth place on the points table with two wins from five matches — accumulating four points, level with four other teams but ahead on net run rate.
Most recently, the team secured a morale-boosting victory over Rajasthan Royals, with uncapped duo Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain each claiming four wickets — a rare and promising sign of depth in their young pace battery.
Next Challenge: Clash Against Chennai Super Kings
SRH’s next assignment is a high-stakes home fixture against Chennai Super Kings in Hyderabad this Saturday. With Cummins possibly returning and the responsibility on emerging bowlers to deliver, the match could define the trajectory of their IPL 2026 campaign.
Fans will be hoping the team can overcome their injury challenges and build momentum ahead of the business end of the tournament.
As the injury blows mount, Sunrisers Hyderabad’s reliance on depth and resilience will be tested like never before — but with Cummins on the verge of return, there’s still hope pulsing through the squad.
