As Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) took the field against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens forĀ KKR vs SRH IPL 2026 encounter on Thursday, the spotlight fell on a new face in the playing XI. Twenty-three-year-old Shivang Kumar has been handed his Indian Premier League debut, marking a significant milestone in the young all-rounder's career.Ā You can followĀ theĀ KKRĀ vsĀ SRH IPL 2026 live scorecard here.

Who is Shivang Kumar? All You Need To Know About Sunrisers Hyderabad All-Rounder

Domestic Rise and IPL Auction

Hailing from India, Kumar has steadily built his reputation in the domestic cricket circuit playing for Madhya Pradesh and the Bhopal Leopards. His consistent performances across various formats caught the attention of several franchises over the past year.

During the IPL 2026 auction, Sunrisers Hyderabad scouts, impressed by his variations and control, secured his services forĀ INR 30 lakh. His inclusion in the starting lineup against KKR underscores the franchise's faith in his potential.

Playing Style and Role

Kumar operates primarily as a bowling all-rounder. He brings a unique skill set to the SRH camp as a right-handed batter and a left-arm wrist-spinner. This combination provides stand-in captain Ishan Kishan with crucial tactical flexibility, particularly during the middle overs where breaking partnerships is vital.

Speaking at the toss, Kishan specifically lauded Kumar's recent form. He noted that the youngster had bowled well during net sessions, earning his opportunity to expand the team's wicket-taking options against a formidable KKR batting unit.Ā Ajinkya RahaneĀ Presented WithĀ Special Jersey for CompletingĀ 200 IPL Matches Ahead KKR vs SRH 2026 (Watch Video)

Recent Domestic Form

Kumar enters the IPL on the back of a strong domestic season. In the recent Vijay Hazare Trophy, he was a standout performer for Madhya Pradesh, claiming 10 wickets in just three matches at an average of 14.30.

His domestic highlight included a superb five-wicket haul (5/45) against Karnataka. Furthermore, with a highest score of 67 in List A cricket, he has showcased his ability to contribute valuable runs lower down the order, making him a highly effective asset in the T20 format.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 02, 2026 07:44 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).