IPL 2026: Ishan Kishan Steps Up as Sunrisers Hyderabad Captain Amid Pat Cummins' Injury
Synopsis
In a significant development for IPL 2026, wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan will lead Sunrisers Hyderabad as Pat Cummins recovers from injury. With Abhishek Sharma as his vice-captain, SRH aims to make a strong start against RCB.
Key Takeaways
Ishan Kishan will captain SRH for the start of IPL 2026.
Pat Cummins is sidelined due to a back injury.
Abhishek Sharma will serve as vice-captain.
SRH's first match is against RCB on March 28.
Kishan has strong leadership credentials from domestic cricket.
Hyderabad, March 18 (NationPress) Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan will take the helm as Captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for the opening matches of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, stepping in for the renowned Australian cricketer Pat Cummins, who is still on the mend from a back injury, as announced by the franchise on Wednesday.
Additionally, SRH has revealed that the top-ranked T20I batter Abhishek Sharma will serve as Kishan's vice-captain during this time.
"Due to his recovery process, Pat Cummins will be absent for several games. Until his return, Ishan Kishan will assume the role of Captain, with Abhishek Sharma as Vice-Captain," SRH stated in a post on X.
Cummins has not participated in competitive cricket since the third Ashes Test in Adelaide in December 2025, having been sidelined following his tour of the West Indies due to a lumbar bone stress injury in his lower back.
He was subsequently ruled out of the remaining Ashes matches as well as the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup because of the same injury. The all-rounder is anticipated to rejoin the squad in the latter part of IPL 2026.
Kishan, who has been part of the SRH lineup since IPL 2025, previously led Jharkhand to victory in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy during the last domestic season, showcasing his capability to lead the team in Cummins' absence. This will mark his debut as a captain in the world's premier cricket league.
Abhishek, on the other hand, has been with SRH since IPL 2019 and has established himself as a key player, forming a dynamic opening partnership with Australia’s Travis Head. Kishan's impressive performance, including three fifties in India’s triumphant T20 World Cup campaign, complemented Abhishek's explosive half-century off just 18 balls in the final, contributing to India’s 96-run victory. He aims to maintain this momentum as the vice-captain for IPL 2026.
SRH, the champions of IPL 2016, will kick off their IPL 2026 journey against the reigning champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on March 28.
Point of View
The announcement of Ishan Kishan as captain for SRH in IPL 2026 reflects a strategic move to maintain team stability while Pat Cummins recovers. Kishan's recent success in domestic cricket positions him as a capable leader, supported by the experienced Abhishek Sharma. This transition could be pivotal for SRH as they face strong competitors.
NationPress
15 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Ishan Kishan captaining SRH?
Ishan Kishan is leading SRH due to Pat Cummins' ongoing recovery from a back injury.
Who is Abhishek Sharma?
Abhishek Sharma is the vice-captain of SRH and a top-ranked T20I batter.
When does SRH start their IPL 2026 campaign?
SRH will begin their IPL 2026 campaign on March 28 against RCB.
What injury has Pat Cummins sustained?
Pat Cummins is recovering from a lumbar bone stress injury in his lower back.
Has Ishan Kishan captained in IPL before?
No, this will be Ishan Kishan's first stint as a captain in the IPL.
