Sakib Hussain shocked IPL 2026 with a 4/24 debut spell against RR, becoming only the 4th uncapped bowler with a four-wicket haul on IPL debut. SRH deployed Liam Livingstone for Travis Head against CSK in Match 27 during their chase defence.
Delhi Capitals used Karun Nair for Mukesh Kumar against RCB in Match 26 chasing 188, while Ashutosh Sharma delivered against CSK at Chepauk.
This Match 31 takes place on April 21, 2026, at 7:30 PM IST at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad. Let’s take a look at the Impact Player options for both sides.
SRH Impact Player Options
SRH’s Impact Sub strategy depends on whether Sakib Hussain or Liam Livingstone features in the starting XI.
If SRH Bowl First
Bowling-first scenarios favour batting reinforcements during the chase. Sakib Hussain starts in the XI for the bowling spell, leaving Livingstone as the batting Impact Sub.
| Player | Role | Likely Replaces |
|---|---|---|
| Liam Livingstone | Batting All-Rounder | Travis Head |
| Smaran Ravichandran | Batter | Top-order backup |
| Salil Arora | Wicketkeeper-Batter | Middle-order cover |
Liam Livingstone enters after the chase begins for middle-order firepower, replicating his Match 27 deployment against CSK. Smaran Ravichandran offers young top-order cover, while Salil Arora brings keeper-batter flexibility.
If SRH Bat First
Batting-first scenarios need bowling reinforcements to defend totals under dew. Liam Livingstone starts in the XI as the sixth batter, leaving Sakib as the bowling Impact Sub.
| Player | Role | Likely Replaces |
|---|---|---|
| Sakib Hussain | Bowler | Travis Head |
| Dilshan Madushanka | Bowler | Pace reinforcement |
| Harsh Dubey | Spinner | Middle-overs control |
Sakib Hussain becomes the frontline bowling Impact Sub replicating his RR match role where he took 4/24. Dilshan Madushanka offers Sri Lankan left-arm pace, while Harsh Dubey provides left-arm orthodox spin variety.
DC Impact Player Options
DC rotate their Impact Sub based on toss outcome, with Karun Nair and Sameer Rizvi alternating in the XI.
If DC Bowl First
Chasing scenarios favour batting reinforcements to finish the innings.
| Player | Role | Likely Replaces |
|---|---|---|
| Karun Nair | Batter | Mukesh Kumar |
| Ashutosh Sharma | Batting All-Rounder | Finisher role |
| Nitish Rana | Batter | Left-hand depth |
Karun Nair anchored the middle order against RCB chasing 188 in Match 26. Ashutosh Sharma offers explosive finishing with a strike rate of 160.62 last season, while Nitish Rana adds left-handed experience.
If DC Bat First
Defending scenarios require bowling reinforcements to strengthen death overs.
| Player | Role | Likely Replaces |
|---|---|---|
| Dushmantha Chameera | Bowler | Batting spot |
| Vipraj Nigam | Spin All-Rounder | Middle-overs control |
| Mohit Sharma | Bowler | Death-overs specialist |
Dushmantha Chameera brings Sri Lankan new-ball threat with extra bounce. Vipraj Nigam offers off-spin variety plus lower-order hitting, while Mohit Sharma provides experienced death-overs execution.
Related Reads
Frequently Asked Questions
Liam Livingstone replaced Travis Head for SRH during their defence of 207 against CSK.
Karun Nair replaced Mukesh Kumar in DC’s successful chase of 188 at Chinnaswamy.
Teams bowling first prefer batting substitutes for chases, while teams batting first pick bowling reinforcements to defend totals under dew.
