Gerald Coetzee (AFP photo)

New Delhi: Sunrisers Hyderabad have signed Gerald Coetzee As a replacement for David Payne for the remainder of IPL 2026. SRH confirmed the development in an official media advisory on Saturday, with Payne ruled out due to an ankle injury. The left-arm fast bowler played two matches this season and took two wickets before being dropped.“Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have signed Gerald Coetzee as a replacement for David Payne for the remainder of the Tata Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Payne – who played 2 matches for SRH in the current IPL season and took 2 wickets in them – has been ruled out of the remainder of the season due to an ankle injury,” the league said in a statement.Coetzee, a right-arm fast bowler, has valuable international experience, having represented the South Africa national cricket team in all formats. The 24-year-old player has taken a total of 67 wickets in four Tests, 14 ODIs and 18 T20 Internationals.He was not sold in this year’s auction but has prior IPL experience with Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans, taking 15 wickets in 14 matches.The 25-year-old player was part of South Africa’s squad for the T20 World Cup, but did not get any matches. After the tournament, he played all five T20 matches against New Zealand. He will join SRH for Rs 2 crore.Meanwhile, SRH have also been boosted by the return of captain Pat Cummins, who joined the team on April 17 and is expected to feature in the clash against Rajasthan Royals on April 25. SRH, currently placed fifth in the table, will face Chennai Super Kings on April 18.Coetzee, known for his pace and aggressive style, adds further strength to SRH’s bowling unit as they look to finish the season strong. Following Payne’s injury he joined the Hyderabad-based franchise for Rs 2 crore as a replacement for the same pace.