3 reasons why Ishan Kishan should replace Pat Cummins as full-time SRH captain in IPL 2026

Ishan Kishan is the frontrunner to lead SRH in Pat Cummins’ absence in IPL 2026.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are in big trouble just ahead of Indian Premier League 2026 as their captain Pat Cummins is likely to miss the initial phase of the tournament. Cummins has been battling with a lumbar stress back injury and various reports have suggested that his arrival would be delayed in IPL 2026.

SRH have discussed the matter internally and Ishan Kishan is the frontrunner to lead the side in Cummins’ absence, as per Times of India report. Abhishek Sharma is expected to be his deputy. On that note, below are three reasons why Kishan should replace Cummins as the full-time captain of SRH in IPL 2026.

3 reasons why Ishan Kishan should be named full-time SRH captain in IPL 2026

1. Ishan Kishan’s brilliant record as captain and impressive form

Ishan Kishan led Jharkhand to the title in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2026. The domestic team won their first-ever title in the tournament’s history. As a captain, Kishan led from the front and was the highest run-scorer in the tournament with over 600 run. He also took India to the final of ICC U19 Cricket World Cup in 2026.

Moreover, Kishan has also held a superb form in recent times. He hammered a maiden T20I century in the series against New Zealand in January. He also was at his best for India in T20 World Cup 2026, where he ended as the second-highest run-scorer for his side.

2. SRH will get an Indian captain

The advantage of having an Indian captain has been a widely discussed topic in IPL. Indian players are more acquainted with the home conditions and it minimise the communication barriers among players. Moreover, SRH remain the only team in the league with overseas captain with all the other franchises preferring Indian captains.

Players like Shreyas Iyer and Rajat Patidar have proved the value of having a domestic skipper instead of a foreign one. If Kishan replaces Cummins’ role in IPL 2026, Sunrisers Hyderabad will get an Indian player to lead the side.

3. Pat Cummins’ injury could resurface

Notably, Cummins recovered from his back injury and played in Ashes 2025-26 last year. However, his injury resurfaced after playing just one match and he was again ruled out of the campaign.

Hence, even if the SRH captain arrives late in IPL 2026, there is a possibility that his injury can recur during the tournament. In such a scenario, the captaincy shuffle will create issues for the 2016 champions. Hence, SRH should stick Kishan as the full-time captain in IPL 2026.

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