IPL 2026: Ishan Kishan Steers SRH, Abhishek Sharma Joins as Captain with Big Changes!
Sunrisers Hyderabad have appointed Ishan Kishan as captain for the upcoming IPL season, with Abhishek Sharma as his deputy. This leadership change is in effect until regular captain Pat Cummins recovers from injury. Kishan, a dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, brings his explosive form and proven IPL record to the role, aiming to lead the franchise effectively during Cummins' absence.
NEW DELHI: Sunrisers Hyderabad on Wednesday confirmed that Ishan Kishan will lead the franchise, while Abhishek Sharma will be his deputy in the upcoming IPL season until the full-time captain Pat Cummins returns from injury. "Pat Cummins will miss a few games while recovering from injury. Until he recovers, Ishan Kishan will be the captain and Abhishek Sharma will be the vice-captain," the franchise informed through a post on social media.
TimesofIndia. com was the first to report that Kishan will lead the side in the absence of Cummins. Kishan has established himself as one of the most explosive wicketkeeper-batters in the IPL.
Across 119 matches in the tournament, playing for three franchises, including Sunrisers Hyderabad, he has scored 2,998 runs from 112 innings at an average of 29. 10 and a strike rate of 137. 64.
His tally includes one century, 17 half-centuries, 288 fours and 134 sixes, underlining his aggressive batting style. — SunRisers (@SunRisers) Behind the stumps, Kishan has also contributed with 59 catches and five stumpings. In the 2025 season, his first after being picked for Rs 11.