Madhya Pradesh spinner Shivang Kumar made an impressive IPL debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on April 2, 2026. The match took place at the renowned Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Shivang replaced pacer Eshan Malinga in the lineup after Malinga struggled in the season opener against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Shivang Kumar’s Rise in Cricket
Aged 23, Shivang Kumar has emerged as a significant talent in the cricketing world. Often compared to India’s Noor Ahmad, he is known for his skillful left-arm wrist spin. Additionally, he provides depth in batting as a lower-order hitter. SRH signed him for ₹30 lakh during last year’s mini auction.
Breakout Performances
Shivang caught attention earlier this year during the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He took ten wickets in three matches, maintaining a commendable economy rate of 5.16. His performance included a five-wicket haul against Karnataka, showcasing his potential on a larger stage.
In T20 cricket, Shivang has made a mark, claiming four wickets at an economy rate of 8.05 in just four matches. His best figures, 3 wickets for 25 runs in 4 overs, came against Bihar during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Path to IPL 2026
Prior to his IPL debut, Shivang attended trials with several franchises, including Punjab Kings, Mumbai Indians, and Rajasthan Royals. Although Sunrisers Hyderabad expressed interest during the trials, scheduling conflicts initially prevented his participation in their sessions. However, the positive feedback from multiple teams fueled his belief in a future IPL career.
Influences and Background
Shivang’s cricket journey has been heavily influenced by his father, Praveen Kumar. A former Ranji player and current Railways employee, Praveen guided Shivang in his formative years in Rewa, a city known for producing several talented pacers. One pivotal decision by Praveen involved shifting Shivang from a right-arm bowler to a left-arm spinner, a choice that proved advantageous for the young cricketer.
After facing a setback of not making the Under-14 team, Shivang briefly stepped away from cricket. His inspiration to return came from watching MS Dhoni’s biopic and encouragement from his brother. This renewed determination ultimately led him to his debut in IPL 2026.
