Injuries are once again reshaping team plans as IPL 2026 moves deeper into a decisive stretch of the league phase. With qualification hopes tightening, franchises are being forced into mid-season adjustments, and Sunrisers Hyderabad are the latest side to feel the impact—despite having built momentum earlier in the campaign. After skipper Pat Cummins returned to contention following an absence from the opening phase, SRH surged with consecutive victories over Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians, climbing as high as third place on the points table after nine matches. That lift, however, has been disrupted by a fresh blow to their pace bowling stocks, leading to a replacement for Shivam Mavi.
SRH make a mid-season replacement for Shivam Mavi
As outlined in the IPL Media Advisory dated May 1, Sunrisers Hyderabad have replaced their 27-year-old bowling all-rounder Shivam Mavi, who has been ruled out of the remainder of IPL 2026 due to a recurring groin injury. The franchise has moved quickly to secure cover for the pacer’s absence.
- Player ruled out: Shivam Mavi (recurring groin injury)
- Duration: Out for the entire IPL 2026 season
- Replacement announced: RS Ambrish
- Replacement player profile: 18-year-old medium-pacer all-rounder from Tamil Nadu
- When he joins: Will link up with SRH immediately after the signing process
- Signing cost: Base price of INR 30 lakh
Ambrish’s U-19 breakthrough and rise into the spotlight
RS Ambrish’s call-up follows a season of strong performances that helped put him on the radar well beyond domestic circles. Earlier this year, he played an important role in India’s success at the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup 2026.
- World Cup impact: Ambrish finished as India’s joint-highest wicket-taker alongside Henil Patel
- Wicket tally: 11 wickets in seven matches
- Notable spell: 4 for 29 against New Zealand
- Recognition: Earned the Player of the Match award for his standout outing
Batting and domestic utility strengthen his case
While his wicket-taking ability has been the headline, the young all-rounder has also shown he can contribute with the bat. In 2025, he produced a major innings of 85 for Tamil Nadu against Gujarat in the Cooch Behar Trophy final. He also had exposure at the Ranji Trophy level the same year, making two appearances for his state team. In his debut Ranji match versus Jharkhand, he picked up the crucial wicket of Ishan Kishan, adding to his early impact despite limited first-class experience.
What Mavi’s injury means for SRH and what led to his IPL journey
For Shivam Mavi, this latest setback is another chapter in a run of fitness issues. He previously missed IPL 2024 due to a rib injury, and his availability has been limited across seasons since then. His most recent appearance in the IPL came in the 2022 campaign. Since moving through various injury spells, he has struggled to secure consistent game time.
- Earlier IPL absence: Ruled out of IPL 2024 with a rib injury
- Last IPL appearance: 2022 season
- Bowling pace: Typically clocks around 140 kph
- Recent domestic form: Last season he took 18 wickets and made his maiden first-class century
- SRH acquisition: SRH bought him at this year’s auction for INR 75 lakh
With the league entering a crucial phase, the timing of Mavi’s groin problem creates another challenge for SRH’s bowling unit—especially given the importance of consistent matchups in the run to qualification. Even so, the absence also brings an opportunity for youth in the shape of Ambrish, who will aim to turn limited first-class exposure into learning that can translate quickly in the IPL environment.
Ambrish’s opportunity under Pat Cummins
Even though Mavi’s unavailability is a setback, SRH’s decision opens the door for RS Ambrish to step up at a pivotal stage of the season. The 18-year-old will be looking to build on his momentum from youth internationals, apply his bowling skills against high-level T20 batters, and continue growing as an all-round option. With Pat Cummins leading the side, Ambrish will have the chance to develop further while taking in experience from the best around him.
