IPL 2027: Abhishek Sharma Reportedly Unhappy With SRH Captaincy Choice, May Exit

The cricketing world is abuzz with reports of a significant rift within the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) camp ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027 season. According to recent media reports, the explosive Indian opening batsman Abhishek Sharma is allegedly dissatisfied with the franchise's internal decisions regarding future leadership. The core of the issue lies in the captaincy transition, which has reportedly prompted the young cricketer to consider parting ways with the team he has been a part of for several years.

The Captaincy Dispute and Ishan Kishan

The controversy surfaced following reports that Sunrisers Hyderabad has identified wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan as the successor to the current captain, Pat Cummins. Abhishek Sharma, who has been a consistent performer for the Orange Army, is said to be unhappy with this development. Having established himself as a vital cog in the SRH batting lineup, Sharma reportedly feels overlooked for the leadership role in favor of Kishan, who was entrusted with captaincy responsibilities during certain matches in the previous season. According to a report by the Times of India, Abhishek Sharma considers himself a primary candidate for the captaincy due to his long-standing association with the franchise.

Pat Cummins and the 2027 Schedule

The root cause of this leadership transition is the international schedule of the current captain, Pat Cummins, while the Australian Test captain is expected to prioritize the upcoming Ashes series and the 2027 ODI World Cup. Consequently, there is a high probability that Cummins will remain unavailable for most, if not all, of the IPL 2027 season. To ensure stability in his absence, the Sunrisers management has reportedly decided to back Ishan Kishan as the future leader. This decision has not sat well with Abhishek Sharma, who has been with the Hyderabad-based franchise since 2019. He reportedly believes that his loyalty and performance over the years earned him the right to lead the side.

Response from SRH Management

Despite the growing speculations regarding Abhishek Sharma's potential exit, the Sunrisers Hyderabad management has attempted to downplay the situation. K. Shanmugam, the CEO of Sunrisers Hyderabad, has officially dismissed these reports as mere speculation. However, the rumors persist that the player is looking for a fresh start where his leadership aspirations might be realized, while the tension between the player's expectations and the management's strategic vision for the 2027 season remains a major talking point in the IPL circle.

Potential New Destinations for Abhishek Sharma

The report further claims that discussions have already begun regarding Abhishek Sharma's potential move to a new franchise. Several teams are reportedly monitoring the situation closely. Among the frontrunners is the five-time champion Mumbai Indians, which is being viewed as a significant option for the young opener. Also, there are strong possibilities of talks with Delhi Capitals. This connection is particularly noteworthy because the legendary cricketer and mentor Yuvraj Singh is now part of the coaching and support staff at Delhi Capitals, while given the close bond between Yuvraj and Abhishek, this could be a decisive factor. Also, reports suggest that contact has also been established with Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings as potential destinations for the 2027 season.