David Payne replaces Edwards at Sunrisers Hyderabad for IPL 2026
david payne has been brought in by Sunrisers Hyderabad as a replacement for Jack Edwards, who was ruled out of IPL 2026 with a foot injury. The 35-year-old England left-arm quick arrives amid a career resurgence after stepping away from first-class cricket. Sunrisers begin their campaign on March 28 (ET) in Bengaluru against the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru while captain Pat Cummins remains unavailable for the initial part of the tournament as he recovers from a lumbar stress fracture.
David Payne’s form and T20 record
Payne comes with a strong T20 résumé: he has played 233 T20 matches and taken 304 wickets at an average of 21. 16 and an economy rate of 8. 03. He was the highest wicket-taker in the Vitality Blast two years ago with 33 scalps, a performance that helped Gloucestershire lift the title. In January 2026 he won the ILT20 with Desert Vipers, and a few weeks later he was Player of the Final in the BBL after finishing with 3 for 18 for Perth Scorchers against Sydney Sixers.
Role at Sunrisers and what he brings
Sunrisers have signed Payne to replace Edwards for the remainder of the tournament; the move gives them a proven left-arm option as they manage Cummins’ early absence. Payne is noted for his slower ball and his effectiveness in the powerplay. David Payne, 35-year-old England left-arm quick, said, “Bowling in the powerplay is my ‘super strength. ‘” His recent success in franchise tournaments and his T20 workload suggest he arrives match-ready for the demands of the IPL season.
Background, fitness and immediate implications
Payne made his County Championship debut in April 2011 and had a career in the red-ball game before stepping away; that pathway resulted in one ODI cap for his country and a series of injury challenges that influenced his switch to a T20-focused career. Having prioritized the shorter formats, he has amassed consistent returns across domestic and international franchise competitions. With Edwards sidelined by a foot injury and Cummins unavailable early on, Payne’s inclusion changes SRH’s seam options for the opening fixtures.
What’s next
Sunrisers will monitor how quickly Payne slots into the XI ahead of the March 28 (ET) opener in Bengaluru and how he complements the bowling group while Cummins recovers. Expect david payne’s powerplay skills and slower-ball variations to be evaluated in the lead-up to the first matches, with selectors weighing matchups and the fitness of the squad as the tournament begins.
