Ishan Kishan Set to Lead Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2026

Ishan Kishan is ready to take the helm as captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad for IPL 2026, stepping in for the injured Pat Cummins. With a successful track record in leadership roles, Kishan's appointment has garnered praise from coach Daniel Vettori. Meanwhile, Cummins is expected to miss the initial matches due to a back injury but aims to return for the latter part of the tournament. This season promises to be pivotal for both players as they navigate their roles in the team.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 27, 2026, 23:16 IST

Ishan Kishan's Captaincy Debut

Ishan Kishan is poised to make his debut as captain for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) during the opening match of IPL 2026. The wicketkeeper-batsman will take charge in the absence of Pat Cummins, who is sidelined due to a back injury. Abhishek Sharma will support Kishan in this leadership role. Ahead of his first match as captain, Kishan received commendations from SRH's head coach, Daniel Vettori. In a press conference before the season opener, Vettori highlighted Kishan's successful track record in leadership roles at various levels. Notably, Kishan led Jharkhand to victory in the 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, which helped him secure a spot in the T20 World Cup team.

Vettori remarked, "Ishan has been part of the IPL for a significant time and has played for multiple teams with great success, which brings a level of confidence. His experience leading the U19s and his state team, along with their recent trophy win, showcases his capabilities as a confident leader. His partnership with Abhishek, who is a close friend and understands the team dynamics well, will be crucial this season."

Kishan was acquired by SRH during the IPL 2025 mega-auction for ₹11.25 crore. Despite a challenging season where he scored 354 runs across three innings, including a century and a half-century, SRH decided to retain him for the upcoming season. This will also mark Abhishek's first time in a leadership role within an IPL team. Both players were part of the victorious 2026 T20 World Cup squad, and Abhishek has been with SRH since 2019.

Pat Cummins to Miss Initial Matches

Pat Cummins to Miss Start of IPL 2026

Although Pat Cummins has joined the SRH camp ahead of the season, he will not be available for the opening match of IPL 2026. The fast bowler is expected to return for the latter half of the tournament. Cummins has not participated in competitive cricket this year. He shared on the Business of Sport podcast, "I'm still recovering from a back injury, but I'm making progress. I'm back to bowling in the nets. While I won't be ready for the start of the IPL, I have a plan in place to ensure I'm fit for the latter part of the tournament, including the finals, if all goes well." SRH struggled last season, failing to advance beyond the initial rounds of IPL 2026.