Former India batter Aakash Chopra revealed his probable playing XII for Sunrisers Hyderabad ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 season. Chopra predicted that Ishan Kishan and Harshal Patel will finish as the highest run-scorer and wicket-taker for the franchise, respectively.
Sunrisers Hyderabad retained 15 players before acquiring 10 new names during the auction. With Pat Cummins missing the initial matches, Ishan will lead the Hyderabad-based franchise. They must rely heavily on their explosive batting order to secure crucial early tournament victories.
Aakash Chopra Picks SRH Playing XII
Speaking on his official YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra picked eight batters for Sunrisers Hyderabad. Chopra stated that they have an aggressive batting order all the way down to English bowling all-rounder Brydon Carse.
"What could be the playing XI? Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Liam Livingstone and Aniket Verma, you have got this fantastic batting lineup, followed by Brydon Carse. So you have absolutely solid batting till No. 8," he said.
Chopra raised concerns regarding the SRH bowling attack. He criticized the franchise management for ignoring bowling issues during the auction, questioning their decision to trade Mohammad Shami to Lucknow Super Giants.
"The batting is very good, but the bowling is not giving you the same kind of confidence, and they haven't even tried to address it. They had Mohammad Shami. They have let him also go," he said.
Aakash Chopra emphasized that Sunrisers Hyderabad must utilize part-time bowlers like Liam Livingstone and Travis Head. Chopra then backed Ishan Kishan and Harshal Patel to dominate the franchise charts.
"You will have to use the all-rounders a little more, in which Liam Livingstone will be there, and a few overs of Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma. Who could be this team's highest run-scorer? I would say Ishan Kishan. Highest wicket-taker? I would say Harshal Patel," Chopra observed.
Also read: 'Chartered flights to London?': Virat Kohli breaks silence on rumours ahead of IPL 2026