'Team Is Performing Well': Harbhajan Backs Kishan To Remain SRH Captain Despite Cummins Return

'Team is performing well': Harbhajan backs Kishan to remain SRH captain despite Cummins return (Image Source: IANS)

Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium: Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has lauded the captaincy skills of Ishan Kishan and advised the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) franchise to continue with the wicketkeeper batter as captain despite the return of Australian spearhead Pat Cummins.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) registered their third consecutive victory of the IPL 2026, overpowering Delhi Capitals (DC) by 47 runs at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium.

Riding on a breathtaking, career-best century from Abhishek Sharma, the hosts posted 242 for 2. In response, a disciplined Sunrisers bowling attack, spearheaded by Eshan Malinga, restricted the DC to 195 for 9, securing a dominant win to go third in the standings.

According to Harbhajan, the players have built a great coordination with Kishan, and if the franchise continues their support to the young leader that, then it will benefit the team as a whole.

"Ishan Kishan should continue as Sunrisers Hyderabad captain even if Pat Cummins returns. It is a debatable call, but if the team has backed a young leader, they should stick with him. Cummins helped Hyderabad reach the final in 2024, no doubt. But the side is doing well under Kishan's leadership. The bowlers and other players have built good coordination with him. Keeping Ishan as captain will benefit Sunrisers Hyderabad," Harbhajan told Jio Hotstar.

Kishan was appointed the stand in captain of SRH ahead of the tournament, as their designated leader, Cummins, was expected to miss the starting matches due to a back injury. But the Australian all-rounder has been declared fit and is likely to feature in the team's next match against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on April 25.

"Ishan Kishan should continue as Sunrisers Hyderabad captain even if Pat Cummins returns. It is a debatable call, but if the team has backed a young leader, they should stick with him. Cummins helped Hyderabad reach the final in 2024, no doubt. But the side is doing well under Kishan's leadership. The bowlers and other players have built good coordination with him. Keeping Ishan as captain will benefit Sunrisers Hyderabad," Harbhajan told Jio Hotstar.

With just one win in four matches, SRH made a strong comeback and registered a hat-trick of wins against Rajasthan Royals (RR), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and Delhi Capitals (DC) to grab the third spot in the points table with three wins in seven matches. SRH also has a positive net run rate of +0.820.

Article Source: IANS