In a surprising but strategic move during the ongoing ipl 2026, Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Ishan Kishan Revealed why he decided not to take up wicketkeeping duties in an important match Rajasthan Royals. The decision came despite his strong performance balancing both leadership and responsibilities over the course of the season.
Kishan is leading SRH in Joe’s absence. pat cumminsPlayed another brilliant innings – 91 off just 44 balls – and cemented his authority as one of the standout performers this season. However, it was not just his batting that caught the attention, but also his strategic innings behind the stumps.
Ishan Kishan reveals why he is not keeping in IPL 2026
After the match, Kishan candidly stated that moving away from wicketkeeping gave him the opportunity to be more involved as a captain. He highlighted that playing both roles sometimes leads to a communication gap with bowlers and fielders.
According to Kishan, wicketkeeping limited his ability to approach bowlers, discuss field placements and adjust strategies in real time. He admitted that while keeping wickets, there were some moments of miscommunication which could have affected the performance on the field.
“I think, you know as a captain, I thought there was some miscommunication going on. You know, sometimes when you are keeping, there is no time. You are not able to communicate with the bowlers about the plans.” Kishan said after the match.
handing over the gloves to Salil AroraKishan found himself more actively engaged in guiding his team. He stressed that being close to the action on the field helped him execute plans better and maintain clarity among the players. He suggested that this move could continue in the upcoming matches as it would provide a clear tactical advantage.
“So I think it’s better to be there, discuss with them when they are going to bowl so that we can set the fielding accordingly. And that was the plan and I think it worked very well for us. Hopefully, yes, that is the way forward.” Added Kishan.
Impressive season with the bat for Kishan
Kishan’s decision had no impact on his batting form – in fact, quite the opposite. The left-handed batsman has been performing brilliantly throughout the tournament and is currently one of the top run-scorers in IPL 2026.
In five matches, he has scored 213 runs at an explosive strike rate of over 190, making him one of the most dangerous batsmen this season. His aggressive approach, especially against fast bowlers, has been a defining feature of his campaign. His recent inning of 91 against Rajasthan Royals demonstrated his ability to dominate attacks with ease. This innings, adorned with fours and skyscraper sixes, played an important role in giving Sunrisers Hyderabad a spectacular victory by 57 runs.
Interestingly, Kishan’s performances have given rise to a healthy competition within the SRH dressing room. While he is currently second in the Orange Cap standings, his teammate heinrich classen Leading the charts with 224 runs. The duo’s consistent contributions have been crucial in SRH’s strong start to the season. His ability to handle and pace the innings has given the team a strong batting base.
Also read: Prafulla Hinge’s father reacts to son’s incredible performance in SRH vs RR IPL 2026 match
