Pat Cummins and Sunrisers Hyderabad - (Source: AFP)
IPL 2026 is around three months away, and the preparations are in full swing. All teams completed their 25-member squad in the recently held mini-auction. The focus will be on Sunrisers Hyderabad, who had an interesting approach during the mega-event in UAE.
The Men in Orange entered the auction with one of the highest purses, but refrained from going after big names. The Kavya Maran-owned franchise focused on uncapped talents and bagged them at a bargain rate, compared to CSK’s picks, where they spent 28 crores on two uncapped players. However, SRH went all in for Liam Livingstone and splurged 13 crores at the auction table.
SRH have an interesting squad building up to the IPL as they have an explosive batting order, but a questionable bowling attack, adding more responsibilities on skipper Pat Cummins. The Australia star bowler will captain the Men in Orange for IPL 2026, but is undergoing an interesting phase in his career.
Cummins is struggling with fitness and recently returned to the action in Ashes after missing cricket for nearly three months because of back-injury. Further, there are reports that Cummins will miss the fourth Test as well to manage his workload. In present times, Cummins is going through a careful phase, where he is looking after his body and possibility is there that the right-arm seamer might not play entire IPL.
Therefore, amid the injury concerns for Cummins, SRH should start preparing and grooming the next gen captain, who can be the ideal successor for upcoming seasons.
1. Abhishek Sharma
The southpaw has now become an integral part of SRH's squad and is certainly in line to be the next leader. Sharma joined Hyderabad in 2019 and has grown ranks over the years to now form a formidable duo with Travis Head.
Sharma is loved by the orange army and the southpaw too reciprocated it by displaying a message for his fans after a century in IPL 2025, that made him an instant hit among the fans.
Further, Sharma also has come captaincy experience as the left-handed batter has led Punjab in domestic events. For the unversed, Sharma has also led India in Under-19 stage and led India to Asia Cup U-19 in 2016.
Abhishek Sharma also led Punjab in Vijay Hazare Trophy last year and led his team to the quarter-finals. In a positive note for SRH, Sharma's batting doesn't get affected while leading the side. In the above-mentioned tournament, Sharma scored 467 runs in eight innings, averaging 58.38 and a strike-rate of 130.45.
Abhishek Sharma's stats during VHT 2024-25
| Criteria | Data |
| Innings | 8 |
| Runs | 467 |
| Average | 58.38 |
| Strike-rate | 130.45 |
| 100/50 | 1/3 |
2. Ishan Kishan
Ishan Kishan joined SRH last year and didn't had the best of season despite a century in the opening game. Kishan only amassed 354 runs in 13 innings, averaging 35.40. However, SRH retained him for the upcoming season and the southpaw recently displayed his leadership skills after guiding Jharkhand to their maiden SMAT title.
Ishan led Jharkhand in SMAT 2025, where the side from east defeated Haryana to list their maiden title. Further, Kishan was the star with the bat and amassed a century in the final. The 27-year-old scored 354 runs in 13 innings, averaging 35.40. His performance as a captain and a batter helped him return to the Indian T20 World Cup 2026 squad after a long hiatus.
Further, the southpaw will lead Jharkhand in the upcoming edition of Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy as well.
Ishan Kishan's stats in SMT 2025
| Criteria | Data |
| Innings | 10 |
| Runs | 517 |
| Average | 57.44 |
| Strike-rate | 197.33 |
| 100/50 | 2/2 |
3. Nitish Kumar Reddy
Another interesting option for SRH in the captaincy race is Nitish Kumar Reddy. The 22-year-old is young and lacks leadership skills. However, the star all-rounder has been recently roped in as Andhra's captain for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy beginning from December 24.
Since the domestic circuit and Andhra cricket association are looking at NKR with leadership potential, then Sunrisers Hyderabad too can look to groom the young all-rounder as their next captain. However, he is most likely to be down in the pecking order and questions will be on his form alongside leading a franchise.
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