NEW DELHI: Team India left-handed batsman Ishan Kishan is the frontrunner 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 has held discussions in this regard and Kishan has been identified as the most suitable candidate for the armband in the absence of the Australian fast bowler.
Jay Shah calls 2019 to 2026 as the golden era of Indian cricket
Ishan’s stock is on the rise at the moment. The 27-year-old has had a brilliant campaign in the T20 World Cup, where he became the toast of the nation for his performances, initially as the top batsman 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 wicket-takers in the IPL. In 119 matches in the tournament, playing for three franchises including Sunrisers Hyderabad, he scored 2,998 runs from 112 innings at an average of 29.10 and a strike rate of 137.64. His record includes one century, 17 half-centuries, 288 fours and 134 sixes, highlighting his aggressive batting style. Kishan also contributed 59 catches and five stumps for the stumps. In the 2025 season, his first after being picked in the auction for Rs 11.25 crore, he scored 354 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of 152.58, including a century and a fifty.
Kishan’s heroics in T20 World Cup 2026
Kishan played a key role for the Indian national cricket team during the 2026 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 of over 193. His campaign included three half-centuries, including one in the final, helping India win the title. Speaking after the win, he said, “Our team has won, of course, it’s a very good thing, not just for us but for the whole nation. We hope to continue with this kind of cricket and keep winning.” He added: “It’s a great feeling 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 make sure as many players come from every corner. Now that we’ve played the World Cup, it shows that with hard work you can succeed from anywhere.” On his future goals, Kishan said, “Nothing much, just keep scoring, playing and winning.
