IPL 2026: Ishan Kishan Likely to Lead SRH as Pat Cummins’ Injury Raises Big Questions

According to The Times of India, Indian cricket team wicketkeeper batter Ishan Kishan is the front-runner to lead Sunrisers Hyderabad at the start of the upcoming season of IPL 2026, with no clarity on Pat Cummins’ fitness. 

As per the reports, SRH management has already held a discussion over the matter, and Kishan emerged as the ‘most suitable candidate’ to lead the side in Cummins absence.

Ishan Kishan has performed really well in the T20 World Cup 2026. In the final against New Zealand, he scored an explosive half-century.  

Talking about Pat Cummins, during the 2025-26 Ashes series, he suffered a serious injury and has not played any cricket since then, and the franchise has no clarity on when the Australian cricketer will be available to play.

Also Read: CSK Make Big Coaching Move Before IPL 2026: James Foster Joins as Fielding Coach

How Pat Cummins’ Absence Could Affect SRH in IPL 2026

The absence of Pat Cummins could bring vital changes for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2026. There is no official statement yet, and the franchise still has no clarity on his availability.

As per reports, Ishan Kishan could lead the side in his absence. Without Cummins’s leadership and bowling attack, SRH may make a few changes in the playing XI, mainly in the bowling lineup, to manage balance and enhance team abilities.

Also Read: Meet the Top 10 Youngest Players in IPL 2026

How Ishan Kishan Has Performed in the IPL Over the Years

Ishan Kishan is one of the most explosive wicketkeeper-batsmen in the IPL. Throughout his IPL career, he has played around 119 matches and 112 innings and scored 2,998 runs at an average of 29.10 and a strike rate of 137.64.

His IPL career includes one century and 17 half-centuries, defining his aggressive batting style.

Ishan Kishan World Cup 2026

Before the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, Ishan returned to the Indian setup for the first time after 2023 in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT). 

He led Jharkhand to their first title as a captain, scoring 517 runs in 10 innings with two centuries and two fifties.

During the T20  World Cup 2026, Ishan Kishan has played a crucial role for team India by scoring 317 runs with an average of 35.22 in 9 innings at a strike rate of 193.

He was the second-highest run scorer for Team India in the T20 World Cup 2026 after Sanju Samson(321).

After the victory, he said, “Our team won, obviously, it is a very good thing, not only for us, but for the whole nation. We hope to continue playing cricket like this and keep winning.”

He also said, “It feels great because I believe the better I perform, the more motivation it will be for the young kids here who want to grow.” I always try to ensure as many players as possible emerge from every corner. Now that we’ve played the World Cup, it shows that with hard work, you can succeed from anywhere.”

Also Read: Kavya Maran Faces Backlash After Sunrisers Leeds Sign Pakistan’s Abrar Ahmed at The Hundred 2026

SRH Squad and Schedule

Sunrisers Hyderabad IPL Squad 2026: Pat Cummins, Harshal Patel, Ishan Kishan, Zeeshan Ansari, Jaydev Unadkat, Kamindu Mendis, Aniket Verma, Eshan Malinga, Smaran Ravichandran, Harsh Dubey, Brydon Carse, Shivang Kumar, Salil Arora, Sakib Hussain, Onkar Tarmale, Amit Kumar, Praful Hinge, Krains Fuletra, Liam Livingstone, Shivam Mavi, Jack Edwards, Abhishek Sharma, Heinrich Klaasen, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Travis Head. 

Sunrisers Hyderabad IPL 2026 Schedule (First Half)