Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have brought South Africa fast bowler Gerald Coetzee into their squad for the rest of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, stepping in as cover for David Payne, who has been ruled out after suffering an ankle injury. The franchise has confirmed the move through an official release, with Coetzee joining the team ahead of the next phase of the campaign.
Why SRH made the change
Payne featured in two SRH matches during IPL 2026, taking two wickets across those appearances. However, the pacer is now set to miss the remainder of the season due to the ankle problem that has sidelined him.
- David Payne played 2 games for SRH in IPL 2026 and picked up 2 wickets in total.
- He has been ruled out for the rest of the tournament because of an ankle injury.
- SRH have therefore signed Gerald Coetzee as the replacement for the remainder of the IPL 2026 season.
Coetzee’s IPL and international profile
Coetzee, a right-arm pacer, arrives with established international experience and prior IPL exposure. He has represented South Africa in Tests, ODIs and T20Is, and has also played in the IPL for multiple franchises.
- South Africa career: 4 Tests, 14 ODIs and 18 T20Is.
- International wicket tally: 67 wickets.
- IPL experience: 14 matches so far.
- IPL wicket tally: 15 wickets.
In franchise cricket, Coetzee’s IPL journey has included time with Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians. He appeared in four matches for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025, while his previous season stretch came with Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024, where he played 10 matches.
- IPL 2025: Played 4 matches for Gujarat Titans.
- IPL 2024: Played 10 matches for Mumbai Indians.
What Payne did in IPL 2026 before injury
Payne’s IPL 2026 stint with SRH included an impactful debut outing against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. In that match, he delivered 3 overs and returned figures of 2/35.
- IPL debut vs RCB: 2/35 from 3 overs.
- He dismissed RCB captain Rajat Patidar in that game.
- He also removed wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma.
- Second appearance: Against Kolkata Knight Riders, he finished wicketless.
Contract details and SRH’s season position
Per the IPL release, Coetzee will join SRH for INR 2 crore. SRH have already played five matches in IPL 2026, with results that place them in the middle of the table.
- Coetzee joining fee: INR 2 crore.
- SRH results so far: 5 matches played, 2 wins and 3 losses.
- Current standing: fifth place.
- Net run rate: 0.576.
