Meet Shivang Kumar: SRH’s Debuting Left-Arm Wrist-Spinner and Big Hitter
Meet Shivang Kumar, the SRH debutant who bowls left-arm wrist spin and can hit big late in innings. He made his Indian Premier League debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Kolkata Knight Riders on April 2, 2026.
IPL debut details
Shivang entered the batting in the final over of SRH’s innings. He drove the first ball he faced from Blessing Muzarabani for four. He was dismissed on the last delivery, chipping the second ball to cover.
Domestic form that earned him the call-up
SRH bought him at the IPL 2026 auction for INR 30 lakh. His selection rewarded strong performances in domestic white-ball tournaments.
In the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Madhya Pradesh, he captured 10 wickets in three matches. His average was 14.30 and his economy rate stood at 5.16.
That run included a five-wicket haul of 5-45 against a Karnataka side. He also produced a patient 69-ball 67 and took three wickets in the preceding match versus Jharkhand.
Twenty-over record and practice showings
In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he took four wickets across four games. He conceded just over eight runs per over on average.
Shivang also impressed with the bat in the T20 format. He scored 45 off 28 balls against Hyderabad in his first senior T20 appearance.
During Sunrisers’ intra-squad practice, he claimed two wickets in the first match and three in the second.
Trials and team connections
He trialled with several IPL franchises before the auction. Punjab Kings, Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals invited him for trials.
SRH had also invited him for a trial, but he missed it due to Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy commitments. He had hoped to share the big stage with Madhya Pradesh teammate Aniket Verma. Verma is now in his second season with SRH.
Background and inspiration
Shivang’s father, Praveen Kumar, played cricket and encouraged him. After failing to make his state under-14 side, Shivang briefly quit the sport for five months.
He returned to cricket after watching the MS Dhoni biopic. A strong comeback followed, including a 98 in his first match after the break. That performance reinforced his belief that cricket was his calling.
What to watch next
Shivang brings a rare left-arm wrist spin option and late hitting ability to SRH’s roster. Filmogaz.com will track his progress through the IPL season.
