Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has strongly backed Sunrisers Hyderabad’s decision to appoint Ishan Kishan as stand-in captain for IPL 2026, calling it a “beautiful story” built on persistence and hard work. With regular skipper Pat Cummins ruled out of the opening matches due to a back injury, SRH have handed Kishan the responsibility, with Abhishek Sharma stepping in as his deputy.
Chopra, speaking on his YouTube channel, was full of praise for Kishan’s journey back to the top. “Ishan Kishan has been made the captain now, and isn’t this a beautiful story? A guy who was just working hard by keeping his head down,” he said, highlighting the batter’s quiet determination.
He further endorsed the franchise’s decision to trust a proven performer. “In my opinion, they have done absolutely the right thing because they have gone towards a player with a proven track record,” Aakash Chopra added, underlining the importance of consistency.
Reflecting on Kishan’s journey, Chopra pointed out how domestic cricket played a key role in his resurgence. “He would play for Jharkhand, score runs, make his team win, and from there, he became a part of the Indian team,” he said, mapping the early phase of Kishan’s rise.
He also addressed the ups and downs that followed. “Then there were some form issues, things changed, and he came into the XI,” Chopra noted, referring to Kishan’s fluctuating position in the national setup. Despite those challenges, Kishan continued to deliver. “He scored runs, but then he was asked to give the gloves and his number, but he scored runs there as well,” Aakash Chopra said, highlighting his adaptability.
Kishan’s comeback gained momentum during the domestic season, where he dominated the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, leading Jharkhand to their maiden title with 517 runs at a strike rate of 197.
That performance earned him a recall for the T20 World Cup 2026, where he impressed with 317 runs, including a crucial knock in the final. Now leading SRH, Kishan’s journey from uncertainty to captaincy stands as a testament to resilience and self-belief.
