Indian national cricket team wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan is likely to lead Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the opening matches of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season in the absence of regular captain Pat Cummins, according to reports. The development comes amid speculation on social media that Indian opener Abhishek Sharma would take charge of the team. However, Times of India reports indicated that the franchise management has instead opted for Kishan to lead the side for the initial matches if Cummins remains unavailable.
The Australia fast bowler has not fully recovered from the injury that forced him to withdraw from the final two Tests of the Ashes series. The same injury also ruled him out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Kishan has enjoyed a strong run of form in 2026. The left-handed batter made a notable return to the Indian team ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup and emerged as one of the side’s most consistent performers with 319 runs during the tournament.
The 26-year-old has also shown leadership experience in domestic cricket, guiding Jharkhand to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title in 2025.
With Cummins’ availability uncertain for the early part of the IPL season, SRH management reportedly held internal discussions before deciding that Kishan would be the most suitable candidate to wear the captain’s armband.
If confirmed, the move would mark Kishan’s first stint as captain of an IPL franchise as Sunrisers Hyderabad prepare for the upcoming season.
The Hyderabad-based franchise will start the 2026 campaign against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 28, 2026. The team will then travel to face Kolkata Knight Riders in Kolkata on April 2.
Their first home match of the season will come on April 5 against Lucknow Super Giants in Hyderabad. The side will then head to Mullanpur to take on Punjab Kings on April 11.
Sunrisers Hyderabad – IPL 2026 (First Phase Schedule):
- March 28 — Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, Bengaluru — 7:30 p.m. IST
- April 2 — Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kolkata — 7:30 p.m. IST
- April 5 — Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Lucknow Super Giants, Hyderabad — 3:30 p.m. IST
- April 11 — Punjab Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mullanpur — 3:30 p.m. IST