Former India batter Sanjay Bangar has praised Ishan Kishan for his captaincy, highlighting the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) skipper’s tactical sharpness and composure while steering the team in the IPL 2026. Bangar believes Kishan should continue leading SRH even after Pat Cummins returns to full fitness, arguing that the franchise benefits from steady Indian captaincy during the long season. Cummins, meanwhile, is closing in on a comeback after medical follow-ups in Australia confirmed that his lumbar stress issue has healed.
Cummins’ injury update and planned return
Pat Cummins left for Australia earlier this month to undergo further assessments on a lumbar stress problem that has restricted his IPL appearances since July last year. Scans carried out in Sydney have now shown the injury has healed, and the Australian all-rounder is aiming to return to competitive cricket soon.
- Cummins has targeted a return on April 25.
- On that date, SRH are scheduled to play Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur.
- He indicated on social media that he will fly back to India imminently to rejoin the SRH squad.
Kishan’s captaincy in Cummins’ absence
With Cummins unavailable, Kishan has been at the helm for SRH during the IPL 2026 campaign. Bangar singled out Kishan’s clarity of thought and calm leadership, especially in how he manages resources during the match—most notably in his bowling changes and fielding plans under pressure.
Bangar’s assessment of Kishan’s tactical control
Speaking on Star Sports, Bangar said Kishan has been tactically strong in the way he deploys bowlers. He noted that the young captain understands which bowlers to use against specific batters, and stressed that Kishan has shown maturity in keeping the game’s tempo under control without looking rushed.
- Bangar praised Kishan for tactically selecting the right bowlers for the right batters.
- He described Kishan as composed, managing the game flow without panic.
- He also pointed to Kishan’s ability to keep decisions measured even in tense phases.
Why Bangar wants continuity even after Cummins returns
Bangar urged SRH to maintain Kishan in the captain’s role when Cummins comes back. His reasoning was rooted in consistency—he argued that an Indian captain often provides a stable rhythm for the side, and that continuing Kishan’s leadership would offer continuity for the players. He also referenced the uncertainty of how consistently a bowler of Cummins’ calibre can stay available given the niggles he has been dealing with.
Bangar added that Kishan’s use of spin was particularly impressive in SRH’s game against DC, reinforcing his view that Kishan should remain the leader. He said the approach for Hyderabad should be to keep Kishan captaining even once Cummins is fit again.
SRH’s dominant win over DC: match highlights
SRH backed their captaincy talk with a commanding all-round display as they defeated Delhi Capitals (DC) by 47 runs in their IPL match in Hyderabad.
SRH’s batting: a huge platform
- Abhishek Sharma delivered a breathtaking unbeaten 135 off 68 balls.
- He struck 10 sixes during his knock as SRH built 242/2 after being put in to bat.
- Heinrich Klaasen provided rapid support, contributing 37 off 13 balls.
DC’s chase: starts well, then falters
In response, DC briefly threatened the target through Nitish Rana, who made 57, and KL Rahul, who scored 37. However, wickets kept falling at key moments, and their chase lost momentum despite the quick start.
SRH’s bowling turning point
- Eshan Malinga sparked the major shift with a double strike.
- Malinga finished with figures of 4/32.
- Harsh Dubey then added late breakthroughs to seal the innings.
- DC were eventually bowled out, falling short as SRH’s bowling attack maintained control throughout.
