&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "Ishan Kishan to captain SRH against RCB in IPL 2026 opener as Cummins continues to recover – Report")
In a massive development surrounding the IPL 2026 opener, SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) regular captain Pat Cummins could be out for the first few matches as he continues to recover from his injury, opening doors for star batter and recently crowned T20 World Cup winner, Ishan Kishan, to fill in as the stand-in skipper. With SRH facing the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the M Chinnaswamy on March 28, Kishan could walk wearing the captain’s hat, per the latest report.
Cummins is recovering from a persistent back injury (lumbar bone stress) that forced him to sit out of four of the five Ashes Tests at home and also the recently concluded T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. While he remains on the sidelines with SRH coaches working on his fitness, reports suggest that he could potentially miss the tournament opener and a few more games.
Also read | ‘Very different to anything else’: Liam Livingstone eyes ‘blockbuster’ IPL 2026 with SRH
A Times of India (TOI) report claims that the SRH management is aware of Cummins’ potential absence, identifying Ishan Kishan as the potential candidate to fill his shoes.
Cummins' absence could hurt SRH’s bowling, which was dependent on the seasoned campaigner to lead the attack and bail them out whenever needed. His absence would leave Sri Lanka’s Eshan Malinga the only overseas pacer available for SRH for the opening game.
Ishan Kishan all the way!
Trending Stories
)
US strikes hit key bridge and airport in southern Iran, IRGC-linked media reports
)
US caps foreign students' stay at 4 years under new visa rule; Over 3.31L Indian students could be affected
)
Ukrainian drone travels 2,500 km in 12 hours to attack oil refinery in Siberia, as CIA confirms 30-minute soldier lifespan
)
Trump in address to nation, repeats stolen election claims, alleges China compromised 220 million voter data files
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Maintenance, training and missiles': Inside the true cost of operating an S-400 battery
)
Amid spate of resignations at ISRO, Govt places curbs on quitters
)
BREAKING: Massive earthquake jolts tourist hotspot in New Zealand, tsunami warning issued
)
Why Sheikh Hasina wants to return to Bangladesh despite death sentence —and what it means for India | WION Decodes
)
That is a misconception: Aamir Khan says 3 Idiots was not inspired by Sonam Wangchuk, Chatur is wrong
)
Iran's daring plan to seize US base, kidnap American soldiers could spark total war
)
WATCH | Terrified deer flee in panic on Iran’s Kharg Island amid US strikes
)
Matchbox miracle: Telangana weaver gifts 5.5-metre silk saree that fits inside a matchbox to Goddess Bharamaraba at Srisailam temple | VIDEO
)
Before you buy your Odyssey ticket: The difference between IMAX 70mm and digital explained
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian fighter jets leave exhaust pipes raw compared to US jets
)
Former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan, 2 other Indian-origin experts join US Fed Reserve's task forces
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
How much does a single S-400 missile cost?
)
Trump, Netanyahu drown in 'sea of revenge': Iran reveals new mural
)
Can the government force-feed Sonam Wangchuk like it did Irom Sharmila? Here's what the law says about hunger strikes | WION Decodes
)
'We share the anguish...': Congress appeals to Sonam Wangchuk to end fast, even as Rahul Gandhi remains missing from Jantar Mantar
How many missiles does one S-400 have?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New Friday OTT releases (July 17, 2026): Maa Inti Bangaaram, The East Palace, Desire- 5 new movies and TV shows on Netflix, JioHotstar and more
)
‘Response to the crimes of arrogant enemy’: Iran launches ‘revenge’ attacks across Gulf
)
Americans need to prove they are American citizens to visit a national park in US
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian strike fighters seat pilots side-by-side compared to US jets
)
5 times in 40 years: Rare Atlantic Niña could soon grip Earth as Super El Niño tightens its jaws. What to expect?
)
Iraqi armed group announces $10 million reward for killing Trump
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why does the B-52 bomber still use eight engines?
)
Blasts heard in Doha, Qatar confirms intercepted missile attack
)
The Odyssey movie review: Christopher Nolan crafts a visual masterpiece that strips the glory from war
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
FIFA 2026: BTS to Justin Bieber! A look at the complete lineup for the World Cup final halftime show
)
'Monster fish' 20 times their original size are swarming Scottish lochs
Since returning to the Indian side following a blockbuster domestic home season, Ishan Kishan has just made headlines. After cementing his place at the top with blistering knocks against New Zealand just before the T20 World Cup, the attacking left-hander made the showpiece event about himself.
Following his match-winning knock against Pakistan in the group stage, Ishan slammed two more fifties in India’s triumphant campaign, including in the final against New Zealand in Ahmedabad. He finished with 317 runs in his second T20 World Cup, helping India create history with its record third T20 crown.
Meanwhile, Kishan moved to SRH (from MI) last season, slamming 354 runs in 13 innings, including a match-winning 106* in the opener.
Besides, several reports of Abhishek Sharma leading the race to captain SRH in Cummins’ absence are also circulating on the internet. But the franchise hasn’t made anything official yet.
