Hyderabad: Sunrisers Hyderabad have been dealt an early setback ahead of IPL 2026 with captain Pat Cummins ruled out of the opening matches due to a back injury. With just days to go before the season, the franchise now faces a crucial question—can they stay competitive without their leader and strike bowler?

In Cummins’ absence, the team has turned to Ishan Kishan as captain, with Abhishek Sharma named vice-captain. The move is seen as bold, given Kishan’s limited time with the franchise, especially ahead of more established options like Travis Head and Nitish Kumar Reddy.

Cummins’ transformative impact

Cummins’ arrival at SRH for ₹20.50 crore marked a turning point for the franchise. From a team struggling near the bottom of the table, SRH evolved into serious contenders under his leadership.

His aggressive philosophy reshaped the team’s batting approach, making 250-plus totals seem achievable and normalising high-risk, high-reward cricket. More importantly, his calm leadership style brought stability and direction, guiding SRH to their first IPL final in six years.

Lessons from a difficult 2025 season

The 2025 season, however, exposed certain limitations. On pitches that offered balance between bat and ball, SRH’s ultra-aggressive strategy faltered. The team lost six of their first eight matches, struggling to adapt when conditions did not favour their approach.

Head coach Daniel Vettori and Cummins remained committed to their philosophy, but the lack of flexibility proved costly. It was only towards the latter stages that SRH showed signs of adjustment, winning three consecutive matches before a washout against Delhi Capitals halted their late push.

Cummins the bowler and decision-maker

Beyond leadership, Cummins played a vital role with the ball. He finished as SRH’s leading wicket-taker in 2025, claiming 16 wickets in 14 matches at an economy rate of 9. His control in the middle overs—conceding just 7.6 runs per over—helped stabilise innings after the powerplay.

However, his campaign was not without flaws. Tactical decisions, such as using Abhishek Sharma against Nicholas Pooran, backfired in crucial matches. Similarly, persisting with an underperforming Mohammed Shami impacted the team’s balance.

Leadership challenge for Ishan Kishan

For Ishan Kishan, this is a defining moment. While he has proven leadership credentials at the domestic level—guiding Jharkhand to a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title—the IPL presents a far more intense environment.

Kishan’s recent comeback in international cricket adds to the narrative, but leading an IPL side requires tactical sharpness, composure under pressure, and the ability to manage diverse personalities in the dressing room.

How quickly he adapts could determine SRH’s early-season momentum.

Bowling unit under pressure

The absence of Cummins leaves a significant gap in SRH’s bowling attack. The team must now identify a new leader of the pace unit, with options such as Eshan Malinga and Brydon Carse expected to shoulder greater responsibility.

Without Cummins’ ability to control the middle overs and break partnerships, SRH’s bowlers may come under increased pressure, particularly against strong batting line-ups.

Can SRH survive the early phase?

While Cummins’ absence is a major blow, SRH are not without resources. The squad has depth in both batting and bowling, but the challenge lies in execution and adaptability.

Early matches will be crucial. A strong start could ease pressure and buy time until Cummins returns, while a poor run may expose vulnerabilities and impact team morale.

Conclusion

Pat Cummins’ absence presents a significant test for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2026. His leadership, experience, and all-round value make him a central figure in the team’s structure.

However, this phase also offers an opportunity. For Ishan Kishan, it is a chance to establish himself as a capable leader. For SRH, it is a test of depth, planning, and resilience.

Whether they can navigate this period successfully may ultimately shape their campaign this season.