SunRisers Hyderabad’s head coach Daniel Vettori expressed confidence in the team’s performance without their captain Pat Cummins on the field. Vettori commended stand-in skipper Ishan Kishan’s leadership skills ahead of the upcoming match against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens.
Pat Cummins will be absent from the match against KKR due to a persistent back injury that has sidelined him since the T20 World Cup 2026. Despite attempting a comeback by bowling in the nets, Cummins is not yet fully fit to play and is expected to rejoin the team midway through the season.
In Cummins’ absence, Vettori endorsed Ishan Kishan to step up for SunRisers, highlighting Kishan’s standout performance in the opening match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Vettori emphasized that Kishan’s leadership style and on-field contributions have been impressive, setting a positive tone for the team.
Ishan Kishan shone in SRH’s previous game against RCB, scoring 80 runs off just 38 balls before a remarkable catch from Phil Salt ended his innings. Vettori praised Kishan’s lead-by-example approach, noting its potential to uplift team morale and performance.
As SunRisers prepare to face KKR, they must address their bowling shortcomings after conceding 203 runs in under 16 overs in their last match. With a challenging Net Run Rate of -4.171, SRH will need to put up a substantial score, especially with Cummins unavailable.
Looking ahead, Vettori expressed confidence in Kishan’s evolving leadership role within the team, anticipating his continued impact both on and off the field. The coach emphasized the importance of adapting strategies to overcome challenges and maximize the team’s potential.
This match presents a crucial opportunity for SunRisers Hyderabad to regroup, improve their performance, and strive for a competitive edge in the ongoing IPL 2026 season.