India, April 23 -- Former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar has backed wicketkeeper batter Ishan Kishan to retain the Sunrisers Hyderabad captaincy even after the return of Australian Pat Cummins, pointing to his tactical acumen while leading the side this IPL season.

Bangar also raised questions over whether Cummins, for whom Ishan stood-in as captain in seven matches so far, can stay fit throughout the tournament as he returns from a near year-long injury layoff.

Cummins has recovered from a stress reaction in his lower back, which ruled him out of the T20 World Cup and delayed his start to the 2026 IPL, and is expected to return for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur on Saturday.

"Ishan Kishan as a leader is tactical...