IPL 2026 : In a bold and unexpected move ahead of the IPL 2026 season, Sunrisers Hyderabad has handed over the captaincy to Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan. Regular captain Pat Cummins, who is recovering from an injury, will miss the early part of the season, prompting the franchise to appoint Kishan as the interim captain.
Abhishek Sharma Appointed Vice-Captain
Alongside Ishan Kishan’s appointment, young opener Abhishek Sharma has been entrusted with the role of vice-captain. The franchise made this announcement via their official Twitter handle, stating, “Due to Pat Cummins’ injury recovery, he will miss some matches.
Until he is fully fit, Ishan Kishan will serve as the captain, and Abhishek Sharma will assume the role of vice-captain.”
A Major Responsibility for Ishan Kishan
This move marks a significant responsibility for Ishan Kishan, who joined the team last season for a hefty sum of ₹11.25 crore. After playing a pivotal role in India’s T20 World Cup victory, Kishan now has an excellent opportunity to prove his mettle as a leader in the IPL.
Mixed Performance in Previous Season
Looking back at his performance last season, Kishan had a somewhat mixed outing. He played 14 matches and scored 354 runs at an impressive strike rate of 152.58, including one scintillating century and one half-century. However, with the added responsibility of captaincy, the team is hopeful that Kishan’s leadership will further elevate his game.
This new leadership change sets the stage for an exciting season ahead, with high expectations from Ishan Kishan to lead Sunrisers Hyderabad to success in IPL 2026.