Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Sunrisers Hyderabad have moved swiftly to plug a gap in their squad, signing teenage all-rounder RS Ambrish as a mid-season replacement for the injured Shivam Mavi for the remainder of IPL 2026.The franchise confirmed the development on Friday after Mavi was ruled out with a groin injury. “Mavi, a right-arm medium pacer, has been ruled out of the ongoing season due to a groin injury,” the league said in an official statement while announcing the replacement.Rising star from India’s U19 triumphAt just 18, Ambrish arrives with a growing reputation, having been part of India’s victorious campaign at the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 earlier this year. The Chennai-born youngster was one of the standout performers with the ball, finishing as India Under-19’s joint-highest wicket-taker with 11 scalps.A right-arm medium pacer who can contribute with the bat as a left-hander, Ambrish fits the modern T20 mould of a utility cricketer — something SRH have often relied on in their squad balance.Early domestic exposureThough still at the start of his professional journey, Ambrish has already had a taste of senior domestic cricket. He made his first-class debut for Tamil Nadu in October 2025 against Jharkhand and has featured in two matches so far. In that brief stint, he has picked up two wickets and chipped in with 43 runs in FC outings, offering glimpses of his all-round potential.Opportunity on the big stageAmbrish will join Sunrisers Hyderabad for a base price of Rs 30 lakh, a modest contract that could prove to be a major opportunity. With the IPL known for fast-tracking young talent into the spotlight, the teenager now has a platform to translate his Under-19 success into performances at the highest level of franchise cricket.
