IPL 2025: Who Will Lead Sunrisers Hyderabad If Pat Cummins Is Unavailable?

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) retained Pat Cummins before Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction, backing him as their leader.

IPL 2025: Injured Pat Cummins' return to the field remains uncertain.

Source : PTI

Australian cricket team has been dealt a major blow ahead of ICC Champions Trophy 2025, with captain Pat Cummins and star fast bowler Josh Hazlewood officially ruled out of the tournament.

Adding to Australia's woes, veteran all-rounder Marcus Stoinis announced his retirement from ODI cricket and will not feature in the upcoming ICC event. Meanwhile, Mitchell Marsh, another key all-rounder, has also been sidelined due to injury, further weakening Australia's Champions Trophy squad.

Selection panel chairman George Bailey confirmed the developments, stating, "Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Marsh have not fully recovered, making their participation in the Champions Trophy 2025 highly unlikely. These players will not be available for the tournament."

With four experienced players unavailable, Australia is expected to announce replacements soon. Several young talents who shone in the recently concluded Big Bash League 2024-25 could be in contention, offering fresh options to the squad.

Who will captain Sunrisers Hyderabad if Pat Cummins gets ruled out of IPL 2025?

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) retained Pat Cummins before Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction, backing him as their leader. However, with the star pacer now dealing with back pain, his return to the field remains uncertain. No official update has been provided regarding his recovery timeline.

If Pat Cummins is unable to participate in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) will have to appoint a new captain.

One strong candidate is Heinrich Klaasen, an experienced wicketkeeper-batsman who has led South Africa in nine matches. While he hasn't captained in the Indian Premier League (IPL), his leadership experience at the international level makes him a viable option.

Another contender is Travis Head, who is also in the squad and could be considered for the role. However, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) is likely to finalize its captaincy plans only after more clarity emerges on Cummins' fitness.