Star Indian opener set to lead Sunrisers Hyderabad amid Pat Cummins injury absence in Indian Premier League 2026

Sunrisers Hyderabad endured a disappointing campaign last season as their star-studded batting lineup failed to deliver consistent performances. The team slipped from the highs of 2024 to the lows of 2025. As the new season of the Indian Premier League approaches, the Orange Army will be eager to rediscover the form that made them one of the strongest sides in the 2024 edition.

However, the franchise could begin IPL 2026 without their regular captain Pat Cummins. The Australian star is expected to miss the opening weeks of the tournament while recovering from a long-term injury. The SRH management is closely monitoring his recovery and hopes that he will be available later in the competition.

In Cummins’ absence, SRH will need a stand-in skipper. According to reports, Abhishek Sharma is the frontrunner for the role. The left-handed batter has been part of the franchise for the last five years and recently lifted the ICC Men's T20 World Cup title with India, further strengthening his leadership credentials.

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Why Abhishek Sharma is a Perfect Choice to Lead SRH in the Opening Matches

Pat Cummins became the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad before the IPL 2024 season. His calm leadership helped the team build a strong and competitive environment. Under his captaincy, Hyderabad reached the IPL 2024 final. His tactical decisions and smart bowling changes impressed many cricket experts.

Cummins has played more than 60 IPL matches so far and has taken over 65 wickets in the tournament. The Australian fast bowler also contributes useful runs in the lower middle order, and his IPL strike rate is above 150.

Meanwhile, Abhishek Sharma can also offer balance to the team. He bowls useful left-arm spin when needed and has taken important wickets during the middle overs in several matches. The SRH management believes he has strong leadership qualities. His confidence and aggressive approach often inspire his teammates.

Abhishek has also captained teams in domestic and junior cricket earlier. However, leading SRH in the IPL would be the biggest leadership role of his career.

Ishan Kishan also emerges as a strong contender for SRH captaincy

Abhishek Sharma is not the only player in the race to lead Sunrisers Hyderabad. Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan is also a strong contender for the role ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 season.

Ishan Kishan led Jharkhand to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title last year. His leadership performance helped him return to the Indian team. In the past, franchises like Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings also made young Indian players captains after strong performances in domestic cricket. Rajat Patidar and Ruturaj Gaikwad are recent examples.

Abhishek has been with SRH for a longer time, which gives him an advantage. However, Ishan Kishan brings leadership experience and a strong captaincy record in domestic cricket, even though he has not captained in the IPL yet.

For fans, it is good news that an Indian player may lead the team in the first few matches. Both Abhishek and Ishan are left-handed batters and are strong contenders for the role. This is despite the presence of overseas stars like Travis Head and Heinrich Klaasen in the squad.

Meanwhile, regular captain Pat Cummins has been struggling with injuries. He has played only one Ashes Test in the last six months. Cummins was expected to return during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, but he was ruled out before the tournament as Australia exited in the group stage. Recent reports suggest that Cummins could miss the first three matches of IPL 2026 while he continues his recovery.

SRH squad for IPL 2026: 

Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (WK), Aniket Verma, R. Smaran, Shivang Kumar, Pat Cummins (C), Liam Livingstone, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kamindu Mendis, Jack Edwards, Harshal Patel, Jaydev Unadkat, Shivam Mavi, Eshan Malinga, Brydon Carse, Zeeshan Ansari, Sakib Hussain.