In a significant leadership shift ahead of IPL 2026, Ishan Kishan has been appointed as the interim captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad for the early part of the season. The decision comes as regular skipper Pat Cummins continues his recovery from a lumbar stress injury, ruling him out of the initial phase of the tournament.
Kishan, known for his aggressive batting and high-energy presence on the field, will now have the added responsibility of leading a side packed with explosive talent. This marks an important moment in his career, as he steps into a leadership role in one of the most competitive T20 leagues in the world. Having already established himself as a match-winner at the top of the order, Kishan will be expected to bring both intensity and clarity to SRH’s campaign.
Supporting him closely will be Abhishek Sharma, who has been named vice-captain. Abhishek’s all-round abilities and understanding of the franchise setup make him a strong deputy as SRH navigates the early challenges of the season. 
Meanwhile, Cummins is expected to join the squad later, subject to clearance, and could reassume leadership duties once fully fit. His absence, however, puts immediate focus on how well SRH adapts under new leadership, especially with a crucial opening fixture approaching.
Sunrisers Hyderabad are set to kick off their campaign against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru, making Kishan’s first assignment as captain a high-pressure encounter. With expectations high and the spotlight firmly on him, all eyes will be on how the young leader shapes SRH’s early momentum in IPL 2026.
