Once a class act, always a class act. Not saying so for the heck of it. The good about cricket doesn’t only come from blistering batting performances or the milestone moments from the ball- if you think about it. In what is a constant tussle between the bat and the ball, it is heartening moments that represent a spirit of togetherness, unity, oneness or let’s say cricketing unity that make the sport go great from the state of being “just good”! And the recent heartening comments made on Ishan Kishan by none other than Pat Cummins seem to truly highlight this very fact.

But how so? The big question is this- what did the great Australian all round cricketer Pat Cummins have to say about Sunrisers Hyderabad captain that is making such news that several among cricketing media are talking about it

“Ishan has led the team brilliantly”

For a captain who’s no stranger to leading his troops to the best of his talent and capability, Pat Cummins’ recent remarks on Ishan Kishan happen to highlight the warmth that exists as a bond between the two cricketers and also reflect Cummins’s spirit of being selfless.

To play exceptional cricket is one thing. To make the team win all thanks to astute leadership is something quite else, something quite different altogether and perhaps let’s face the fact- not the easiest of challenges to navigate.  

Why Ishan deserves the plaudits 

Now, having said the above, there’s a reason why Ishan Kishan has been earning rich credit from someone of the standing of Pat Cummins.

While he was himself absent on account of injury, Cummins witnessed every single game that his SRH played thus far from the sidelines. And what was avid and brilliant on Ishan Kishan’s part was the fact that - thus far - he was able to bring the best out of his batters and bowlers.

The induction of young Praful Hinge, who bowled beautifully against RR (such a dominant team) to the formation of the bowling pair of Praful and Sakib Hussain to inspiring his top order batters to come good amid pressure- Kishan has been a busy and thoughtful captain.

Such rich praise cannot escape the team observant eyes of a captain who is himself constantly on the move and ever intelligent such as Pat Cummins.

What’s more?

Where it comes to his own individual contributions towards upping the ante of attack of the famous SRH team, then current skipper Ishan Kishan has offered constant fluent starts from #3, played brilliantly with a sense of boldness and clear intent and been a sharp quick footed thinker on the ground. He began the series with a quick fire 80 against RCB and then against RR, he scored a dazzling 91.

Having left nothing to chance or imagination, Kishan has very much looked the part of a seasoned captain which is when the 2026 leadership Assignment of his SRH is a first for him.

Why won’t he earn the praise then from someone so illustrious as Pat Cummins!