IPL 2026: Ishan Kishan likely to lead SRH
NEW DELHI: Team India’s left-handed batter Ishan Kishan is the favorite to lead Sunrisers Hyderabad in the upcoming IPL 2026 season as it is not yet clear when Pat Cummins will join the team.
TimesofIndia.com reliably understands that the SRH management had a discussion in this regard, and Kishan was identified as the most suitable candidate to wear the armband in the absence of the Australian fast bowler. Abhishek Sharma will be Ishan’s deputy this season.
Ishan shares are currently on an uptrend. The 27-year-old had a brilliant T20 World Cup campaign, where he became the toast of the nation for his performances, first as a top-order batter and then at No.3 when Sanju Samson returned to the playing XI.
Ishan Kishan’s performance in the last IPL
Kishan has established himself as one of the most explosive wicketkeeper-hitters in the IPL.
In the 119 matches of the tournament, playing for three franchises including Sunrisers Hyderabad, he scored 2,998 runs in 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, highlighting his aggressive batting style.
Behind the stumps, Kishan also contributed with 59 catches and five stumpings.
In the 2025 season, his first after being picked for Rs 11.25 crore at the auction, he scored 354 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of 152.58, including a century and a fifty.
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Kishan’s heroics in the 2026 T20 World Cup
Kishan played a key role for the Indian national cricket team in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, finishing as India’s second highest run-scorer with 317 runs in nine innings at an average of 35.22 and a strike rate above 193.
His campaign spanned three half-centuries, including one in the final, helping India clinch the title.
Speaking after the victory, he said: “Our team won, obviously, it’s a very good thing, not only for us, but for the whole nation. We hope to continue playing cricket like this and continue to win.”
He added: “It’s great because I think the better I perform, the more it will be the motivation for the youngsters here who want to grow. I always try to make sure that as many players as possible emerge from every corner. Now that we have played the World Cup, it shows that with hard work you can succeed anywhere.”
On his future goals, Kishan said, “Nothing much, just keep scoring runs, keep playing and keep winning. »
