David Payne ruled out with ankle injury, SRH yet to name replacement
Sunrisers Hyderabad have suffered another injury setback in IPL 2026 after English pacer David Payne was ruled out of the remainder of the season due to an ankle injury. Payne, who was signed as an injury replacement for Jack Edwards at INR 1.5 crore, has flown back home for rehabilitation.
He featured in two matches for SRH and picked up two wickets before being sidelined. SRH are yet to announce a replacement. This is another injury blow in their campaign, and injuries are not stopping in this IPL after Khaleel now Payne has also been ruled out. It adds to a growing list of fitness concerns that have disrupted squad balance across teams this season.
Short stint ends after two matches
Payne’s spell with SRH was brief but came during a phase when the team were trying to settle their bowling options. His exit reduces overseas depth and leaves the management with another decision to make on a replacement. The timing is not ideal, with fixtures coming thick and fast and no clarity yet on who will come in.
SRH eye CSK clash after improved bowling display
SRH, currently fourth on the table with two wins, face Chennai Super Kings on April 18 in Hyderabad. They head into the game after a 57-run win over Rajasthan Royals, where their bowling unit showed improvement after earlier struggles.
Debutants Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain shared eight wickets in that match, helping SRH secure a strong win. Skipper Pat Cummins is expected to return around April 25 against Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur, which could further strengthen the attack as the season moves into a crucial phase.