3 reasons why SRH must start with Brydon Carse in their playing XI for IPL 2026

England pacer Brydon Carse, currently the leading wicket-taker for his side in the 2025-26 Ashes, was acquired by the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in 2024, but is yet to register a single appearance. The right-arm bowler was ruled out of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL), and was replaced by South Africa all-rounder Wiaan Mulder.

However, with his surge in form, which includes solid outings against India and New zealand, alongwith SRH's current demands, Brydon Carse could prove to be a massive darkhorsse for the side in the 2026 edition of the IPL. Despite not having played a match in the previous season, he was retained by the franchise ahead of the 2026 Auction, which showcases the faith and the plans that they have in store for him.

On that note, let us take a look at three reasons why SRH must start with Brydon Carse in their playing XI for IPL 2026.

#1 SRH will need an overseas spearhead amid Pat Cummins' injury troubles

SRH faced a massive bowling crisis in the 2025 season, as they did not have the firepower or form to compensate for the batters' misfortune with their high-octane approach. The Orange Army need their bowlers to step up to cover for their batters, whether they succeed or fail, and that will only be possible with a dominant spearhead.

Earlier, SRH had promising options like Pat Cummins and Mohammad Shami, at least on paper, to lead the bowling attack. However, with Shami traded off to the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) during the off season, coupled with Cummins' injury woes, the team are lacking an option around which the other bowlers can work.

With no major reinforcements added through the auction, Brydon Carse remains the only option that SRH have to turn to compose their bowling unit. Since Pat Cummins has played only one match in five months, and the IPL season taking place right after a T20 World Cup, there is serious doubt regarding the level with which the skipper can contribute.

If Cummins is not available, Carse comes across as the obvious like-for-like replacement, but SRH should also consider an option to play the Englishman even when the skipper is available. It will need some major sacrifice as the team already have three overseas options locked in their top-seven in Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen, and new signing Liam Livingstone.

Carse should not be regarded solely as Cummins' backup, especially when the Australian is not exactly at his peak level in terms of fitness or performance.

#2 Brydon Carse has the skillset and ability to make an impact in subcontinent conditions

The subcontinent has been cruel to overseas pacers over time, regardless of their profile and status. While Carse has express pace and the height to extract bounce, not all surfaces in India are conducive to such a type of bowling.

However, against all odds, he did manage to have a fruitful tour of India in early 2025, when he picked eight wickets in four matches at an average of 14.89 and an economy rate of 8.38. He was England's leading taker, and also the overall top wicket-taker among pacers in that series. His displays included two three-wicket hauls at the Chepauk and the Wankhede, two completely contrasting conditions, which showcase his ability to adapt.

While the sample size is alarmingly low, it does show signs of early promise that SRH can tap into. England also have a tour of Sri Lanka coming up in early 2026, followed by the 2026 T20 World Cup, all of which will help him understand subcontinent surfaces even better, before heading into the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL).

#3 SRH could use some raw pace in their bowling attack

Having not reinforced their bowling unit at the recently held mini-auction, SRH are arguably one-dimensional in that regard. As things stand, the bowling options that the team have in terms of pacers are Pat Cummins, Harshal Patel, Jaydev Unadkat, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Shivam Mavi.

Both Pat Cummins and Shivam Mavi have been troubled with injury issues for a while now, and it is unlikely that they will be bowling at full throttle, or at speeds of over 140 kmph on a regular basis. While the likes of Harshal Patel, Jaydev Unadkat, and Nitish Kumar Reddy are all medium pace bowlers, good for variations and swinging the ball, but lacking the pace that SRH need to bring some degree of versatility in their pace unit.

Brydon Carse stands out as the obvious choice for SRH to introduce some raw pace into the bowling unit, whether it be with the new ball, or in the middle overs to assist the spinners from one end. He is capable of touching, and even crossing the 140 kmph mark consistently when fully fit, and it is something that SRH could use to bring life to their bleak bowling setup.

Edited by Gokul Nair