david payne has been signed by Sunrisers Hyderabad as a replacement for Jack Edwards, who has been ruled out of IPL 2026 with a foot injury. The move comes as Hyderabad prepares for the season opener on March 28 in Bengaluru, where they face defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The change adds a late-blooming, in-form left-arm pace option to a squad already managing availability concerns at the top.
Sunrisers Hyderabad confirm replacement move
Sunrisers Hyderabad have brought in David Payne, described as a BBL winner, to cover for Edwards after the Australian was ruled out with a foot injury. Payne is a 35-year-old England left-arm quick who has built momentum in franchise cricket after stepping away from first-class cricket, and Hyderabad’s call signals confidence in his recent output in major T20 competitions.
Hyderabad also face an early-season leadership hurdle: captain Pat Cummins is unavailable for the initial part of the IPL as he recovers from a lumbar stress fracture. The team’s first assignment is immediate and high-profile, with the March 28 opener in Bengaluru against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
David Payne arrives in Bengaluru and outlines his mindset
Payne arrived in Bengaluru ahead of the curtain-raiser and described the opportunity in strikingly personal terms, calling it “a pinch-yourself moment” as he looks ahead to debuting in the IPL at 35. He has also been clear about where his focus sits now, saying: “I’ve got out of the cycle of thinking about the call coming, if I’m honest. ” He added: “It’s almost easier being in a different head space, believing that the door is closed and focusing on the franchise world, going out, enjoying things like the IPL and seeing what happens. ”
His path to this point has been shaped by a reset in priorities. Payne has one England appearance, an ODI versus the Netherlands in 2022, and has not featured for his country in Twenty20 cricket. The selection by Hyderabad makes him the only one of 77 overseas players across the 10 IPL teams not to have represented his country in T20 cricket.
Form, role, and recent trophies driving the selection
Payne’s recent performances across leagues have been central to his surge. In T20s overall, he has played 233 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 wickets, leading Gloucestershire to the title, and he has described bowling in the powerplay as his “super strength. ” He is also noted for his slower ball.
In January 2026, he won the ILT20 with Desert Vipers, and a few weeks later was Player of the Final in the BBL after taking 3 for 18 for Perth Scorchers against Sydney Sixers. Over six outings in the Big Bash League title run, he took 11 wickets at an average of 13. 5.
Payne also detailed how quickly the IPL opportunity materialized. He said his agent, Phil Weston, had told him he was on a shortlist of possible replacements for teams, before an offer from Sunrisers arrived and was agreed within a day, followed by visa arrangements. He noted that the decision required careful consideration due to the tournament’s length and family factors, referencing his two young daughters.
What’s next for Sunrisers as the opener nears
All eyes now turn to March 28 in Bengaluru, with Hyderabad balancing a new arrival, an enforced change due to injury, and the early absence of Pat Cummins. For david payne, the immediate test is integrating quickly into a new environment and translating his recent T20 success into impact at the IPL’s first whistle.
