Bengaluru: Former India pacer Zaheer Khan has raised concerns over the leadership of Sunrisers Hyderabad, stating that interim captain Ishan Kishan has struggled to provide clarity and control in the ongoing IPL 2026 season.
With regular skipper Pat Cummins sidelined due to workload management, SRH have endured a difficult start, losing three of their first four matches.
“Lack of clarity and control” in leadership
Speaking about SRH’s performance, Zaheer Khan pointed out that the team appears to be missing a clear leadership structure, particularly in decision-making and batting approach.
He observed that while players like Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head seem to have defined roles at the top, the team lacks direction beyond that.
According to Zaheer, Cummins’ absence has left a significant void, as the Australian captain is known for communicating clear strategies and maintaining control on the field.
“The stand-in captain is not able to manage that. That’s the gap which they’ll have to address,” Zaheer remarked.
Tactical confusion adds to concerns
Zaheer also highlighted inconsistency in tactical decisions, particularly pointing to confusion surrounding the use of the impact substitute in a recent match.
He noted that SRH had initially indicated Praful Hinge as the impact substitute but later opted for Jaydev Unadkat instead. This, he suggested, reflected a lack of clarity in planning and communication.
From an external perspective, Zaheer speculated that the team may have reconsidered their strategy based on perceived pitch conditions. However, he questioned whether that change was effectively communicated and executed on the field.
Batting approach under scrutiny
Another area of concern highlighted by Zaheer was the team’s batting approach, especially after the top order. He also suggested that senior players like Heinrich Klaasen need to take greater responsibility.
“The clarity has gone out of the window,” he said, adding that the team’s intent and approach need to be reassessed.
Despite having explosive batters, SRH have struggled to maintain consistency, often failing to capitalise on starts or adapt to match situations effectively.
Pressure mounts on Kishan
Leading an IPL side for the first time, Kishan has faced increasing pressure as results have not gone in the team’s favour. After a promising start to the season, his own form has also dipped, further complicating matters.
With crucial matches ahead, SRH will need to quickly address leadership gaps and improve both tactical execution and on-field communication.
Conclusion
Zaheer Khan’s remarks underline the challenges faced by Sunrisers Hyderabad in the absence of Pat Cummins. As the tournament progresses, the team’s ability to find stability in leadership and clarity in strategy could determine whether they can revive their campaign in IPL 2026.