Sunrisers Hyderabad’s stand-in captain Ishan Kishan suggested that he could potentially step away from wicket-keeping responsibilities, after he repeated the same approach during the IPL 2026 match against Rajasthan Royals on Monday. Kishan captained the side in Pat Cummins’ absence and spent the day fielding in the outfield, while Salil Arora handled the gloves behind the stumps.
Why Ishan Kishan moved away from the gloves
Explaining the thinking behind the decision, Kishan said the change helped reduce communication gaps during crucial moments of the game. In his view, operating from the outfield made it easier to coordinate with the bowlers about what was planned and how the field should be set.
“As a captain, I felt, you know, there was some miscommunication going on. You’re not able to communicate with your bowlers what the plans are. So it’s better to be there, discuss with them what they’re going to bowl so that we can feel set the field accordingly. And that was the plan and I think it worked pretty well for us,” Kishan said.
When asked if this would become a regular pattern going forward, the captain responded with confidence. “Hopefully, yes.”
Bowling show and debut impact at the Uppal Stadium
Kishan also voiced satisfaction with how the bowling unit executed the plan. He highlighted the performances and game-awareness of two debutants—Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain—who were brought into the XI instead of Harshal Patel and Jaydev Unadkat.
- It was described as a pacers’ day at the Uppal Stadium, following Kishan’s influential 91.
- Two first-time IPL players, Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain, made immediate statements on debut.
- Both debutants produced “four-wicket” hauls, marking their arrival with a major impact.
- They replaced Harshal Patel and Jaydev Unadkat, giving the newcomers an opportunity at their home ground.
Match outcome and IPL standings shift
With the win, Rajasthan Royals’ run of four straight victories came to an end, while Sunrisers Hyderabad improved their season record. The result also saw the table change positions for both sides.
- Rajasthan Royals suffered their first defeat of the campaign, yet remained at the top of the points table.
- Sunrisers Hyderabad earned their second win of the tournament alongside three losses.
- SRH jumped to fourth place after the victory.
- RR’s four-match winning streak was broken, despite the loss.
Post-match thoughts from Kishan
During the post-match presentation, Kishan summed up the result by focusing on the freedom the bowlers had in executing their skills. He also explained why debutants were given a chance and credited the group’s preparation.
- “Very happy with this win,” Kishan said, adding that the team got what it wanted from the bowlers—freedom in execution.
- He praised the bowlers directly and emphasised that the performances earned the outcome.
- On Hinge and Hussain, he noted how hungry and motivated they were, and that they had been working throughout the season with bowling coach Varun Aaron.
- He also pointed out that the debutants were in conversation with experienced players and that the match at their home venue made it the right time to include them.
- “It was the right move today,” Kishan concluded regarding the decision to play the debutants.
