Former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar has backed wicketkeeper batter Ishan Kishan to retain the Sunrisers Hyderabad captaincy even after the return of Australian Pat Cummins, pointing to his tactical acumen while leading the side this IPL season. Bangar also raised questions over whether Cummins, for whom Ishan stood-in as captain in seven matches so far, can stay fit throughout the tournament as he returns from a near year-long injury layoff. Cummins has recovered from a stress reaction in his lower back, which ruled him out of the T20 World Cup and delayed his start to the 2026 IPL, and is expected to return for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur on Saturday.

"Ishan Kishan as a leader is tactically very good in terms of how he uses his bowlers. He understands which bowlers to use against which batters. It is a clear marker of how well he controls the game. He doesn't look clustered, is not hurried, and is taking the right calls on the field," Bangar, a former India batting coach, said on Star Sports. "The way he used his spinners against DC was impressive. All in all, I believe that even if Pat Cummins comes back, Ishan should continue captaining SRH. More often than not, having an Indian captain brings consistency. You cannot be sure about how fit a bowler of Pat Cummins' caliber will stay throughout the rest of IPL, considering the niggles he's been dealing with." Bangar said that in the best interest of Sunrisers Hyderabad and to maintain continuity, Ishan Kishan should continue to lead the side.