Pat Cummins has been managing a back issue since last year, limiting his competitive play. The Australian fast bowler has only participated in one match since July 2022, making his absence from the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 a significant blow for his team, Sunrisers Hyderabad.
As the IPL 2026 season kicks off this Saturday, Cummins has confirmed he will not be ready for the initial matches. “I won’t make the start of that, but it shouldn’t be too long before I’m back out there playing,” he stated.
Currently, Cummins is back bowling in the nets every third day, a positive sign in his recovery. “I’m still recovering from a back injury, but it’s good. I’m back bowling in the nets,” he added, expressing optimism about his progress.
With Cummins sidelined, 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 change comes as the team looks to maintain its competitive edge in Cummins’ absence.
Cummins aims to return for the second half of IPL 2026, contingent on his recovery. “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,” he mentioned.
Additionally, Cummins has missed out on participating in the T20 World Cup due to a minor setback, further complicating his return to form. The Bangladesh series, which runs from August 13 to 26, will also see him absent.
Sunrisers Hyderabad last clinched the IPL title in 2016, and the team is eager to improve their standing this season. As they navigate the early matches without their captain, the focus will be on how quickly Cummins can return to bolster their lineup.
Fans and analysts alike are watching closely as Cummins works through his rehabilitation. The cricket community remains hopeful for his swift return to competitive play, but details remain unconfirmed.
