Ishan Kishan has received strong backing to continue as captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2026 season, even after the return of regular skipper Pat Cummins.
The discussion around SRH’s leadership has gained momentum after Cummins returned to full fitness following a lumbar stress injury that had kept him sidelined since July last year. The Australian pacer, who had travelled back home for follow-up medical assessments, has reportedly been cleared after scans confirmed his recovery. He is expected to rejoin the SRH squad ahead of their clash against Rajasthan Royals on April 25 in Jaipur.
During Cummins’ absence, Ishan Kishan has stepped in as captain and has impressed many with his calm approach and tactical awareness on the field. His leadership has coincided with strong performances from SRH, including a dominant win over Delhi Capitals.
Former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar has been among those who have publicly praised Kishan’s leadership, highlighting his clarity of thought and ability to make effective bowling changes under pressure. Speaking on Star Sports, Bangar noted that Kishan’s understanding of match situations has been a key strength.
“Ishan Kishan as a leader is tactically very good in terms of how he uses his bowlers. He understands which bowlers to use against which batters,” Bangar said, adding that the young skipper has shown maturity in controlling the tempo of matches without appearing overwhelmed.
Bangar further argued that continuity in leadership could benefit SRH, suggesting that Kishan should continue as captain even after Cummins returns to the playing XI. He emphasised that having an Indian captain could provide stability and consistency for the squad across the season.
In SRH’s recent match against Delhi Capitals, Kishan’s leadership was on display as the team delivered a commanding all-round performance. Abhishek Sharma starred with a sensational unbeaten 135 off 68 balls, including 10 sixes, powering SRH to a massive total of 242/2. He was well supported by Heinrich Klaasen, who smashed a quick 37 off 13 balls.
Delhi Capitals’ chase showed brief resistance through Nitish Rana and KL Rahul, but regular wickets derailed their innings. The turning point came through a strong spell from Eshan Malinga, who picked up four wickets, while Harsh Dubey also contributed with key breakthroughs to seal a 47-run victory for SRH.
As Cummins prepares to return, the team now faces a leadership decision that could shape the remainder of their season. With Kishan earning praise for his tactical acumen and results on the field, the debate over SRH’s captaincy appears far from settled.
