Before the 2026 IPL season kicked off, expectations were high for Pat Cummins, who had previously led Sunrisers Hyderabad to the finals in 2024. However, his recent lumbar stress back injury, sustained in July of the previous year, has cast a shadow over his participation in the tournament.
As the season began on March 28, 2026, Cummins was still in recovery, missing not only the IPL opener against Royal Challengers Bengaluru but also the 2026 T20 World Cup. His absence was felt, and Ishan Kishan stepped in as the stand-in captain for Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Recent updates indicate that Cummins has started bowling in the nets, but he has not yet received clearance from Cricket Australia to compete in the IPL. Daniel Vettori, a former cricketer and coach, has suggested that Cummins could be available to play in the next 10-12 days, providing a glimmer of hope for fans and the team.
In the IPL 2025 season, Cummins showcased his skills by taking 16 wickets in 14 matches, with an impressive average of 28.13 and an economy rate of 9.06. His performance was pivotal for Sunrisers Hyderabad, and his return could significantly impact the team’s chances in the ongoing tournament.
As the Sunrisers Hyderabad faced RCB, they opted to field first after winning the toss, with a playing XI that included Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, and Ishan Kishan. The team is currently navigating the challenges posed by Cummins’ absence, but they remain hopeful for his swift recovery.
Vettori emphasized the importance of Cummins’ fitness, stating, “His fitness has been exceptional. He’s been out of the game for an extended period of time, so he’s had time to work on fitness.” This highlights the rigorous rehabilitation process Cummins has undergone to return to competitive cricket.
While the team adapts to the situation, the anticipation of Cummins’ return looms large. “Hopefully, we can get a definitive timeline, probably in the next 10-12 days, on when he can return to play,” Vettori added, indicating that the team is closely monitoring his progress.
As fans await further updates, the focus remains on the current squad’s performance and how they can fill the void left by Cummins. His leadership and skills will be crucial as the tournament progresses.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact timeline for Cummins’ return, but the cricketing community is optimistic about his comeback and the impact it will have on the Sunrisers Hyderabad’s campaign in IPL 2026.
