Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) may face a major setback ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, as Australian captain Pat Cummins is reportedly racing against time to recover from an ankle injury. Having sustained the injury during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Cummins has already been deemed unlikely to feature in the ICC Champions Trophy, raising concerns about his availability for the IPL. Given his importance to the Australian squad for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, Cricket Australia might also restrict his participation in the cash-rich league. Therefore, SRH had to make early preparations for a replacement for Pat Cummins.

Pat Cummins Replacement For Sunrisers Hyderabad

If Cummins is indeed ruled out, SRH will need to find a reliable fast-bowling replacement for Pat Cummins to maintain their squad balance. In this article, we explore three potential pacers who could step in for Cummins and strengthen SRH’s bowling attack in the upcoming season.

Will O’Rourke

New Zealand pacer Will O’Rourke could be a smart pick for SRH as a replacement for Pat Cummins. Despite going unsold in the IPL 2025 auction with a base price of INR 1.5 crores, the 23-year-old has shown promise, particularly in the subcontinent. During New Zealand’s three-match Test series against India last October-November, he picked up seven wickets at an impressive average of 18.43, demonstrating his ability to perform in challenging conditions.

O’Rourke’s towering frame and high-arm action allow him to generate steep bounce and extract movement off the pitch, making him a difficult bowler to handle. While he lacks IPL experience, his performances in domestic cricket have been encouraging—he has taken eight wickets in nine matches in the ongoing Super Smash. His raw pace and ability to hit the deck hard could make him an intriguing option for SRH, especially if the 2025 SRH captain needs a dependable fast-bowling option to strengthen the team’s attack.

Naveen-ul-Haq

Afghanistan’s Naveen-ul-Haq is a seasoned campaigner in T20 cricket, having made a name for himself in franchise leagues around the world. With 259 wickets in 216 T20 innings at an impressive strike rate of 17.4, he has consistently delivered with the ball. His experience in high-pressure tournaments makes him a strong contender to replace Pat Cummins for SRH.

Naveen is no stranger to the IPL, having previously played for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), where he picked up 25 wickets in just 17 innings at a strike rate of 15.48. He is a versatile bowler who can swing the new ball early on, restrict runs in the middle overs, and deliver crucial breakthroughs at the death. His ability to adapt to different match situations and control the game with his variations makes him an attractive option for SRH. If Cummins is ruled out, SRH might look at Naveen as a reliable replacement for Pat Cummins, given his experience and proven track record in the shortest format. His knack for picking up key wickets and maintaining a tight economy could make him a valuable addition to the squad, especially if the 2025 SRH captain looks for a dependable pacer who can deliver under pressure in all phases of the game.

Mustafizur Rahman

Bangladesh’s left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman could be a strong replacement for Pat Cummins in SRH’s squad for IPL 2025. Despite setting a base price of INR 2 crores, he went unsold in the last mega auction. However, his experience and skill set in the shortest format make him a viable option for the franchise.

Mustafizur has a solid IPL record, having taken 61 wickets in 57 matches at a strike rate of 21.28. He was particularly impressive last season for Chennai Super Kings, where he bagged 14 wickets in just nine games. Known for his deceptive cutters and ability to bowl tight spells in crucial moments, he can be a perfect complement to SRH’s pace attack, which is likely to be led by Mohammed Shami. Adding to his appeal is his previous stint with SRH, where he picked up 17 wickets in as many games. His familiarity with the franchise, coupled with his ability to trouble batters with his variations, makes him a strong contender to step in for Cummins. If the 2025 SRH captain wants an experienced left-arm option with a proven IPL record, Mustafizur could be the ideal choice to strengthen the bowling attack.

Who Should Be Pat Cummins Replacement For Sunrisers Hyderabad？

With Pat Cummins’ availability for IPL 2025 in serious doubt, SRH must carefully assess their options to ensure they have a balanced and competitive squad. Each of the three potential replacement for Pat Cummins brings a unique skill set to the table, making the decision a crucial one.

Mustafizur Rahman offers vast IPL experience and exceptional variations, making him a dependable option in pressure situations. Naveen-ul-Haq, with his proven T20 credentials and ability to excel across all phases of the game, could be a valuable asset. Meanwhile, Will O’Rourke, though relatively inexperienced in T20 leagues, has shown promise with his raw pace and ability to generate steep bounce.

Ultimately, SRH’s choice will depend on the specific role they want to fill in their bowling attack. If they prioritize experience and proven IPL success, Mustafizur or Naveen could be ideal. However, if they are willing to take a calculated risk on an emerging talent, O’Rourke might be the surprise package they need. Regardless of who they choose, filling the void left by Cummins will be key to SRH’s performance in IPL 2025.