Zaheer Khan Criticizes Ishan Kishan's Leadership as SRH Misses Pat Cummins' Presence in IPL 2026 Zaheer Khan, a veteran fast bowler and former India captain, has publicly questioned the leadership of Ishan Kishan during his tenure as interim captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL). Khan’s comments, made in a recent interview, highlight concerns about the team’s performance and the absence of Pat Cummins, who is currently on a break from cricket. Cummins, a former Australian captain and one of the most experienced leaders in the IPL, had previously captained SRH during the 2023 season before stepping down to focus on his international career. Kishan, who took over as interim captain in March 2026, has been tasked with leading the team until Cummins returns, but his leadership has drawn scrutiny from former players and analysts. Khan, who played for SRH in the early years of the IPL, emphasized that the team is struggling without Cummins’ strategic acumen and calm decision-making. “SRH is missing the presence of Pat Cummins in the side,” Khan said. “His leadership has always been a key factor in the team’s success. Ishan has done well in taking charge, but the team is still adapting to his style of leadership. Without Cummins, the team lacks that extra layer of experience and composure, especially in high-pressure situations.” Khan’s remarks come amid a challenging phase for SRH in the 2026 IPL, where the team has faced inconsistent performances and a lack of consistency in key matches. The interim captaincy of Ishan Kishan, a 23-year-old left-handed batter and wicketkeeper, has been a topic of discussion among fans and cricket analysts.#ishan_kishan #ipl_2026 #sunrisers_hyderabad #pat_cummins #zaheer_khan
