Hyderabad: Ishan Kishan is set to captain Sunrisers Hyderabad for the opening matches of IPL 2026, stepping in for regular skipper Pat Cummins, who is still recovering from a back injury.
Franchise sources indicate that the arrangement is temporary, with Cummins expected to resume leadership duties once he regains full match fitness.
Sunrisers Hyderabad have officially confirmed through their social media platforms that Ishan Kishan will captain the side in the opening matches of IPL 2026, stepping in for regular skipper Pat Cummins. Abhishek Sharma will serve as vice-captain.
Cummins, who has been sidelined since December due to a lumbar stress issue, is expected to join the SRH camp in Hyderabad on March 23 after receiving clearance from Cricket Australia. However, he is likely to miss at least the first three matches as he undergoes rehabilitation with the franchise.
SRH will begin their campaign against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 28, followed by an away clash against Kolkata Knight Riders on April 2. They return home to face Lucknow Super Giants on April 5.
Kishan, 27, earns his first opportunity to lead an IPL side, edging ahead of Abhishek due to greater experience. The wicketkeeper-batter has played 119 IPL matches and enjoyed a strong 2025 season, scoring 354 runs at a strike rate above 150, including a century on debut for SRH.
He heads into the new season in excellent form, having recently starred in India’s triumphant T20 World Cup campaign. Kishan amassed 532 runs in 13 T20Is this year at an impressive strike rate of over 200, underlining his resurgence at the international level.
Cummins, meanwhile, has led SRH in 30 matches, winning 15, and notably guided the team to the IPL final in 2024. His return will be closely watched, but for now, the spotlight firmly rests on Kishan as he takes charge during a crucial early phase of the tournament.
Source: Cricbuzz, ESPNCricinfo
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