New Delhi: Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has weighed in on Sunrisers Hyderabad’s decision to appoint Ishan Kishan as stand-in captain for IPL 2026, saying he was “a bit disappointed” that Abhishek Sharma was overlooked.
The leadership call came with regular skipper Pat Cummins unavailable at the start of the season, prompting debate among fans and experts over who should lead the side.
“From a player’s perspective, it hurts”
Speaking about the decision, Yuvraj said that while he admires Ishan Kishan’s growth, long-serving players often expect leadership opportunities after years of contribution.
He pointed out that Abhishek Sharma has been part of the franchise for several seasons, captained at the state level, and shown consistent improvement—factors that, in his view, made him a strong candidate.
Yuvraj added that such decisions can affect a player’s mindset, especially when they feel they have “given their heart and soul” to a team.
Flashback to 2007: Dhoni’s unexpected rise
Drawing a parallel from his own career, Yuvraj recalled the leadership transition in 2007 when MS Dhoni was appointed captain of the Indian team.
At the time, senior players like Harbhajan Singh and Virender Sehwag were in contention, while Yuvraj himself was serving as vice-captain.
“Out of nowhere, MS Dhoni became captain,” Yuvraj said, acknowledging that while the decision felt surprising then, Dhoni went on to achieve remarkable success and was “destined” for the role.
Backing Ishan, but questions remain
Despite his reservations, Yuvraj emphasised that Abhishek shares a good relationship with Ishan Kishan, which could help maintain team harmony.
He also stressed the importance of supporting the appointed captain and using disappointment as motivation to perform better.
“Captaincy helps players grow”
Yuvraj highlighted that platforms like the Indian Premier League are ideal for grooming future leaders.
According to him, giving captaincy responsibilities helps players develop decision-making skills and confidence—something he felt Abhishek could have benefited from.
Looking ahead
While questioning the rationale behind the decision, Yuvraj made it clear that the focus should now shift to performance on the field.
He even offered a candid assessment of the team, expressing concerns about Hyderabad’s bowling strength, but added that he would be happy to be proven wrong if the team performs well.
For now, the spotlight will remain on Ishan Kishan as he steps into a leadership role under scrutiny, while Abhishek Sharma looks to respond with performances that could strengthen his case for future captaincy opportunities.
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