Pat Cummins, the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad, has been managing a back issue since last year. This ongoing injury has limited his participation in competitive cricket, with Cummins having played only one match since July 2022. As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season approaches, Cummins has confirmed that he will miss the start of the tournament, which begins on Saturday.
In a recent statement, Cummins expressed optimism about his recovery, stating, “I’m still recovering from a back injury, but it’s good. I’m back bowling in the nets.” He added, “I won’t make the start of that, but it shouldn’t be too long before I’m back out there playing.” This indicates a positive trajectory in his rehabilitation process.
Despite his absence, Cummins has outlined a plan for his return, aiming to participate in the second half of IPL 2026. He mentioned, “We’ve mapped out a plan to get me right by (the) middle of the tournament, so hopefully, if nothing goes wrong, (I will) play the back half plus the finals.” This statement reflects his determination to contribute to his team as soon as he is fit.
In the interim, Ishan Kishan has been appointed as the interim captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad. Cummins praised Kishan’s leadership skills, noting, “Ishan’s had a really successful captaincy stint with his local side in the last year or so.” This transition in leadership aims to maintain the team’s competitive edge while Cummins focuses on his recovery.
Additionally, Cummins’ absence will also affect his participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup, as he has faced a minor setback that has prevented him from playing. Observers are keen to see how his recovery progresses and whether he can return in time for the Bangladesh series, which runs from August 13 to 26.
As the IPL season unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Cummins’ recovery impacts both his personal career and the performance of Sunrisers Hyderabad. The team last won the IPL in 2016, and they will be looking to reclaim their former glory with or without their captain.
Overall, while Cummins faces challenges ahead, his commitment to returning to the field remains strong, and his leadership will be missed during the initial stages of the tournament.
