Ishan Kishan to lead Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2026 as Cummins recovers
HYDERABAD: Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan will lead Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) as stand-in captain for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, the franchise announced on Wednesday.
Since regular skipper Pat Cummins is recovering from injury, he will miss the initial matches. As a result, Kishan will take charge of the team. Meanwhile, opener Abhishek Sharma has been named vice-captain.
“Pat Cummins will miss a few games due to injury. Therefore, Ishan Kishan will lead the side until he returns, while Abhishek Sharma will serve as vice-captain,” SRH said.
Strong form backs Kishan’s leadership
In recent months, Kishan has delivered outstanding performances. Notably, he led Jharkhand to their maiden domestic title in December 2025. Under his captaincy, the team won the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
During the tournament, he scored 517 runs in 10 innings and finished as the top scorer. Consequently, selectors recalled him to India’s T20 side after three years. He even edged past Shubman Gill for a spot in the World Cup squad.
So far in 2026, Kishan has maintained his impressive form. He has scored 532 runs in 13 T20 innings and climbed to a career-best world No. 2 ranking. Additionally, he played a crucial role in India’s T20 World Cup triumph at home, scoring 317 runs and finishing as the second-highest run-getter.
Mixed IPL 2025 season
Earlier, Kishan joined SRH ahead of IPL 2025 for ₹14.5 crore. On debut, he made an immediate impact with a 45-ball century against Rajasthan Royals.
However, his form dipped as the season progressed. By the end, he managed 354 runs in 13 innings.
