![Ishan Kishan and Pat Cummins [Source: @CricketCentrl, @Nafees_22/x]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1774425215212_IshanKishanandPatCummins.jpg?type=hq)
Ishan Kishan and Pat Cummins [Source: @CricketCentrl, @Nafees_22/x]
Fresh off India’s triumphant T20 World Cup 2026 crusade, Ishan Kishan has further cemented his reputation as one of the most explosive T20 batters in the world. His growing stature has now prompted the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) franchise to name him as its interim captain, thus adding a new dimension in his career.
While the blistering wicketkeeper-batter was named SRH’s captain at the expense of an injured Pat Cummins, the legendary Australian fast bowler recently dropped a massive hint that indicates that the franchise might soon consider him as a long-term option.
Pat Cummins makes huge admission before IPL 2026
SRH skipper Pat Cummins has heaped significant praise on teammate Ishan Kishan ahead of the upcoming IPL 2026 season. With Kishan currently serving as SRH’s interim captain, Cummins recently dropped a hint that the franchise could consider the Indian stumper for a long-term leadership role.
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The Australian fast bowler further added that Ishan Kishan already holds captaincy experience through domestic cricket. While speaking on the Business of Sport podcast, Pat Cummins said “Ishan has had a really successful captaincy stint with his local side in the last year or so. On those guys, you are leaning on anyway.”
Watch the video below:
Ishan Kishan’s captaincy record before SRH ascension
Compatible to Pat Cummins’ claims, Ishan Kishan indeed holds a legion of captaincy experience in domestic cricket. The blistering wicketkeeper-batter led the Jharkhand cricket team in all three formats of the recently-concluded Indian domestic season.
Moreover, under his leadership, Jharkhand won the 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy by defeating Haryana in a lop-sided final late last year. The left-handed opener himself whacked 101 runs off just 49 balls on the big day in Pune as Jharkhand lifted its first-ever T20 silverware. This impressive leadership track record could well be one of the key reasons behind SRH entrusting him with the captaincy duties, even if initially in an interim capacity.
When will Pat Cummins return for IPL 2026
Pat Cummins is yet to attain full recovery from the back injury he sustained a few months ago. Despite his injury, the legendary Australian paceman is expected to join the SRH franchise prior to the IPL 2026 season in India, as reported by Cricbuzz.
However, Cummins is set to miss the initial few games of the tournament since he has not been declared match fit yet by Cricket Australia. One can expect the experienced paceman to return to SRH’s playing XI and take over his usual leadership responsibility from Ishan Kishan at some point in April.
SRH to face RCB in IPL 2026 opener
The SRH franchise will be taking on defending champions RCB in the opening match of the IPL 2026 season. The match will be hosted by the M. Chinnasawamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday, March 28 later this week.
As per the IPL 2026 schedule unveiled by the BCCI earlier this month, the ‘Orange Army’ will subsequently travel to Kolkata to face KKR and host LSG in Hyderabad on April 2 and April 5 respectively.
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