Sunrisers Hyderabad are likely to begin their IPL 2026 campaign without regular captain Pat Cummins, who is currently dealing with a back injury. The Australian pacer is expected to miss the opening matches, creating a leadership gap at the start of the season.
In Cummins’ absence, wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has emerged as the frontrunner to lead the side. The left-hander comes into the tournament with strong momentum, having delivered an impressive performance in the recent T20 World Cup. Kishan scored 317 runs in nine matches, finishing among the leading run-getters and showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
Kishan’s leadership credentials are also backed by his domestic success. He captained Jharkhand and played a key role in their Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title win, finishing as the top scorer with 517 runs in 10 innings. His aggressive batting approach, combined with tactical awareness, makes him a suitable candidate to guide SRH in the early phase.
Meanwhile, Cummins’ injury remains a concern for the franchise. The fast bowler has struggled with fitness in recent months and has been out of action since mid-2025. Reports indicate that he is still undergoing recovery and may not be match-ready when the tournament begins.
SRH face a challenging start to their IPL 2026 schedule. They will open their campaign against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru on March 28, followed by key fixtures against Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants. These matches could set the tone for their season.
Young all-rounder Abhishek Sharma is expected to play a supporting leadership role. While his recent performances have been mixed, the team management views him as a valuable option in the leadership group.
From a strategic standpoint, Kishan’s appointment could provide SRH with a fresh and aggressive approach. However, the team will be eager for Cummins to regain full fitness as the tournament progresses, given his importance to both leadership and bowling strength.
