In a surprising yet strategic move during the ongoing IPL 2026, Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Ishan Kishan revealed why he chose not to take up wicketkeeping duties in a crucial clash against Rajasthan Royals. The decision came despite his strong performances earlier in the season while balancing both leadership and keeping responsibilities.
Kishan, who has been leading SRH in the absence of Pat Cummins, delivered yet another stunning knock—91 off just 44 balls—further cementing his authority as one of the standout performers this season. However, it wasn’t just his batting that grabbed attention, but his tactical shift behind the stumps.
Ishan Kishan opens up on why he is not keeping in IPL 2026
Following the match, Kishan candidly explained that stepping away from wicketkeeping allowed him to be more involved as a captain. He highlighted that juggling both roles sometimes led to gaps in communication with bowlers and fielders.
According to Kishan, wicketkeeping restricted his ability to walk up to bowlers, discuss field placements, and adjust strategies in real-time. He admitted that while keeping wickets, there were moments of miscommunication that could impact on-field execution.
“I think, you know as a captain, I felt there was some miscommunication going on. You know, sometimes when you are keeping, the time is not there. You are not able to communicate with the bowlers about the plans,” said Kishan after the match.
By handing over the gloves to Salil Arora, Kishan found himself more actively engaged in guiding his team. He emphasized that being closer to the action in the field enabled him to better execute plans and maintain clarity among players. The move, he suggested, might continue in the upcoming matches as it offered a clearer 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 field accordingly. And that was the plan and I think it worked pretty well for us. Hopefully, yes, this is the way forward,” added Kishan.
Impressive season with the bat for Kishan
Kishan’s decision did not affect his batting rhythm—in fact, quite the opposite. The left-hander has been in sensational touch throughout the tournament, currently sitting among the top run-scorers in IPL 2026.
In five matches, he has amassed 213 runs at an explosive strike rate of over 190, making him one of the most dangerous batters this season. His aggressive approach, especially against pace bowlers, has been a defining feature of his campaign. His recent 91-run knock against Rajasthan Royals showcased his ability to dominate attacks with ease. The innings, laced with boundaries and towering sixes, played a pivotal role in securing a commanding 57-run victory for Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Interestingly, Kishan’s performances have sparked a healthy competition within the SRH dressing room. While he currently sits second in the Orange Cap standings, his teammate Heinrich Klaasen leads the charts with 224 runs. The duo’s consistent contributions have been instrumental in SRH’s strong start to the season. Their ability to anchor and accelerate innings has given the team a solid batting foundation.
