As the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 approaches, the spotlight has shifted toward the Orange Army. Since their inception in 2013, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) has been a franchise defined by its bowling-first DNA and a knack for producing clinical, albeit sometimes conservative, leadership. From the grit of David Warner to the tactical calm of Kane Williamson, the team has navigated various eras with varying degrees of success. However, the 2026 season brings a fresh narrative.
Ishan Kishan to lead SRH for first two games in Pat Cummins’ absence
In a significant development, the franchise has confirmed that India’s explosive wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan will lead Sunrisers Hyderabad for the opening matches of the season. This appointment comes as regular skipper Pat Cummins continues his rehabilitation for a lower back stress injury sustained earlier during Australian summer. Cummins, who led SRH to the final in 2024, is expected to join the squad later in the tournament.
Kishan, who was acquired by SRH for ₹11.25 crore, enters this role at the peak of his powers. Fresh off a sensational T20 World Cup 2026 campaign where he amassed 317 runs at a strike rate of 193.29, and having led Jharkhand to their maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title in 2025, Kishan represents a more aggressive, modern era of SRH leadership alongside his deputy, Abhishek Sharma.
List of all Sunrisers Hyderabad captains so far
The captaincy at Sunrisers Hyderabad has often been a revolving door, reflecting the franchise’s pursuit of the perfect balance between overseas stars and Indian mainstays. The journey began in 2013 with a dual-captaincy approach and reached its zenith in 2016 under Warner.
- Kumar Sangakkara (2013)
The legendary Sri Lankan was the first to hold the reins. While his tactical acumen was never in doubt, his personal form struggled in the shortest format. In 9 matches, he led the team to 4 wins, maintaining a 44.44%-win rate. Eventually, he famously stepped aside from the playing XI to allow for a better team balance.
- Cameron White (2013)
Taking over mid-season from Kumar Sangakkara, Cameron White provided a brief but effective spark. Under his leadership in 8 games, the team won 5, boasting a solid 62.5%-win percentage. He was instrumental in guiding SRH to the playoffs in their debut season.
- Shikhar Dhawan (2013–2014)
‘Gabbar’ was handed the captaincy to bring an Indian face to the leadership. However, the added responsibility seemed to weigh on his natural flair. Across 16 matches, the team secured 7 wins, resulting in a 43.75%-win rate. He eventually relinquished the role to focus on his batting.
- Darren Sammy (2014)
The two-time T20 World Cup-winning captain brought a Caribbean vibe to the camp. His stint was short—just 4 matches—resulting in an even 2-2 record (50%-win rate).
- David Warner (2015–2021)
Statistically and emotionally, Warner is the greatest captain in SRH history. He led the side in 67 matches, winning 35 of them. His crowning achievement was the 2016 IPL Title. With a win percentage of 53.73% and three Orange Caps during his tenure, Warner’s legacy is synonymous with the franchise’s golden era.
Also READ: 3 reasons why Kavya Maran’s SRH should appoint Ishan Kishan as captain in Pat Cummins’ absence
- Kane Williamson (2018–2022)
When Warner was unavailable, Kane Williamson stepped in with a ‘captain cool’ demeanor. He led the team to the 2018 final and maintained a win percentage of 48.91% across 46 games. His tactical brilliance often made up for a lack of raw pace in the SRH arsenal.
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2019–2023)
The veteran swing king Bhuvneshwar Kumar acted as a reliable stand-in over several seasons. In 8 matches as captain, he managed 2 wins. While his individual brilliance remained, the team often struggled to find rhythm under his temporary leadership (25%-win rate).
- Manish Pandey & Aiden Markram (2021–2023)
Manish Pandey led for a single game (a loss), while Aiden Markram took over in 2023 after leading Sunrisers Eastern Cape to a title in SA20. Markram led in 13 games but found the IPL tough, securing only 4 wins (30.76%).
- Pat Cummins (2024)
The transition to Cummins in 2024 transformed SRH into a record-breaking batting powerhouse. Cummins brought a fearless Australian mentality, leading the team to the 2024 final and maintaining a win rate of 51.72% over 30 matches. His absence at the start of 2026 creates a unique void.
- Ishan Kishan (2025)
Kishan’s temporary elevation is more than just a stop-gap; it is a trial for the future. As the No. 2 ranked T20I batter in the world, Kishan’s captaincy style is expected to be ‘hyper-aggressive.’ For a team that recently started posting 250+ scores with regularity, Kishan’s instinct to attack from the first ball aligns perfectly with the current SRH philosophy.
Whether he can maintain the tactical discipline required to navigate the middle overs remains to be seen, but with 24 wins in 29 T20s as a captain at the domestic level, the numbers suggest he is ready for the big stage.
Also READ: IPL: Complete list of all Rajasthan Royals (RR) captains so far ft. Riyan Parag and Sanju Samson
