![Ishan Kishan and MS Dhoni [Source: AP, AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1776144768848_ishankishanmsdhoniipl2026.jpg?type=hq)
Ishan Kishan and MS Dhoni [Source: AP, AFP]
Ishan Kishan had a dream outing on Monday night, as he led Sunrisers Hyderabad to an emphatic victory over Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026.
Batting first, the Sunrisers posted a massive total of 216 runs in 20 overs. In response, the Royals were bundled out for 159, thereby losing their first game of the ongoing IPL season.
Ishan Kishan played a pivotal role for SRH, amassing 91 runs off just 44 deliveries. He smashed eight boundaries and six sixes during his belligerent knock, helping his team secure its second win of the season.
However, contrary to expectations, Ishan didn't don the wicket-keeping gloves during the second innings.
As he often gets compared to the legendary MS Dhoni due to his explosive batting and neat wicket-keeping skills, Ishan's weird act of fielding in the outfield surprised fans and experts.
Salil Arora does wicketkeeping for SRH as Ishan Kishan takes bold call
The Sunrisers Hyderabad have three wicketkeeping options. While Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen bring international experience to the table, the 2016 IPL champions also have Salil Arora, who can handle the wicketkeeping duties.
After powering SRH to a formidable total of 216 runs, Ishan Kishan was supposed to keep wickets for the Orange Army. However, in a surprising turn of events, the SRH captain skipped the wicketkeeping duties, which were eventually performed by Salil Arora.
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Captain MS Dhoni utilised the wicketkeeper's position to perfection
The legendary MS Dhoni is considered the benchmark for wicketkeepers. When he was the captain of the Indian team, MS Dhoni used the wicketkeeper's position to perfection, anticipating the batters' next move from their feet movement and adjusting the field accordingly.
Dhoni's street-smart bowling changes and instinctive decision-making were primary reasons behind his astounding success as the Indian captain. He took the advantage of being a wicketkeeper, perfectly controlling the match scenarios from behind the stumps.
Ishan Kishan explains why he distanced from the MS Dhoni ideology
While the wicketkeeper's place was the best fielding position for captain MS Dhoni to control the game, Ishan Kishan thinks otherwise. The SRH captain was questioned why he handed over the wicketkeeping duties to Salil Arora after his side steamrolled an in-form Rajasthan Royals outfit in the IPL 2026.
In response, Kishan reckoned that he found it tricky to take crucial captaincy decisions as a wicketkeeper. Therefore, he decided to play as a specialist fielder and to continuously guide his troops through regular conversations.
Ishan believes the lack of communication between him and his teammates was the reason why his team underperformed while bowling in previous matches.
Thus, he showcased a contrasting captaincy style to the talismanic MS Dhoni and delivered the goods with his unique modus operandi.
"I think, as a captain, I felt, there was some miscommunication going on. Sometimes your keeping, time is not there. You're not able to communicate with your bowlers what the plans are," Ishan Kishan said in the post-match press conference.
Ishan Kishan in sublime form in IPL 2026
Ishan has led SRH from the front, letting his bat do the talking in IPL 2026. The explosive southpaw has amassed 213 runs in five innings at an average of 42.60 and a strike rate of 190.18. He is currently the Orange Cap holder and is expected to score a truckload of runs in the upcoming fixtures.
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