'No advice for half-captain': Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan in heated 'argument' ahead of IPL 2026 opener

New Delhi: With the commencement of IPL 2026, while the field is certainly set to witness a shower of fours and sixes, the off-field camaraderie and banter among the players have made the atmosphere even more delightful. Just ahead of the season's opening match, a video featuring Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan is taking social media by storm, showing the two close friends engaging in some spirited leg-pulling.

What did Gill say about Ishan Kishan?

Shared by Star Sports, this video captures the playful banter between Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill and Sunrisers Hyderabad's new captain, Ishan Kishan. Gill began teasing Ishan by calling him a "half-captain," a reference to the fact that Ishan is temporarily stepping into the captaincy role due to an injury sustained by the regular captain, Pat Cummins. When asked to offer some advice to Ishan, Gill laughed and remarked that he "doesn't give advice to a half-captain." Ishan was quick to retort, stating that he doesn't take advice from anyone because he is a champion in his own right.

How did Ishan Kishan reply?

The banter between the two intensified when Gill asked Ishan Kishan when the Hyderabad team had last won a match. In response, Ishan challenged Gill to count the stars on his jersey. Eventually, both burst into laughter and, reminiscing about old times, quipped: "Back when our homes were humble, but our hearts were pure." The video concluded with Gill delivering a brilliant punchline; teasing Ishan, he remarked that "he still has to make it into the ODI and Test squads"—a comment that left Ishan unable to control his laughter.

Why is Pat Cummins absent from SRH playing XI?

This season is set to be a challenging one for Sunrisers Hyderabad. The team's regular captain, Pat Cummins, has been ruled out of the initial stages of the tournament due to an injury. In his absence, the responsibility of leadership has been entrusted to Ishan Kishan. Gill's playful reference to him as a "half-captain" was a nod to this very situation. It now remains to be seen whether or not Ishan will be able to respond to Gill's playful banter on the field through his captaincy and batting.

When will RCB and SRH Clash?

The first match of IPL 2026 will be played this evening at 7:30 PM at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. On one side stand the defending champions, RCB, while on the other is the Hyderabad team, brimming with youthful energy. Fans are hopeful that the friendship and rivalry between Shubman and Ishan will further heighten the excitement of the game throughout this entire season.