SRH Confirm Ishan Kishan As Stand-In Captain Ahead of IPL 2026 While Pat Cummins Recovers From Injury; Abhishek Sharma Announced As Vice-Captain
The decision follows confirmation that regular skipper Pat Cummins remains sidelined as he continues his rehabilitation from a long-term back injury.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have officially appointed India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan as their stand-in captain for the start of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The decision follows confirmation that regular skipper Pat Cummins remains sidelined as he continues his rehabilitation from a long-term back injury. Opening batter Abhishek Sharma has been named vice-captain to support Kishan during this interim period. Lalit Modi Offers 'Optics Management' Amid Backlash Over SunRisers Leeds' Historic Abrar Ahmed Signing.
Ishan Kishan Names Captain, Abhishek Sharma Vice-Captain
Pat Cummins’ Recovery
Regular captain Pat Cummins is currently recovering from a lumbar bone stress injury that has kept him out of competitive cricket since December 2025. The Australian fast bowler, who led SRH to the final in 2024, was forced to miss the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2026 and is yet to receive full medical clearance from Cricket Australia. While Cummins is expected to join the squad later in the tournament, the franchise has opted for a stable leadership structure for the crucial opening fixtures.
Ishan Kishan’s Captaincy Credentials
Ishan Kishan arrives at the captaincy following a prolific run of form. He was instrumental in India’s T20 World Cup triumph earlier this year, finishing as the nation’s second-highest run-scorer and striking a half-century in the final against New Zealand. BCCI Distances Itself from Sunrisers Leeds' Abrar Ahmed Signing For The Hundred 2026, VP Rajeev Shukla Issues Statement (Watch Video).
Although this marks his debut as an IPL captain, Kishan brings significant experience from the domestic circuit. He recently led Jharkhand to their maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title and previously captained India to the Under-19 World Cup final in 2016. His appointment makes him the first Indian to lead the "Orange Army" since Bhuvneshwar Kumar in 2023.
Early Season Challenges
The new leadership duo faces an immediate test in the season opener on 28 March. SRH are scheduled to face defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, a match that will see all ten IPL franchises led by Indian captains for the first time in the league's history. Abhishek Sharma’s promotion to vice-captain rewards his consistency at the top of the order and his own leadership experience with Punjab in domestic cricket.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 18, 2026 05:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).