Pat Cummins has been managing a back issue since last year, limiting his competitive play. The Australian fast bowler has participated in only one match since July 2022, making his absence from the start of IPL 2026 a significant concern for Sunrisers Hyderabad.
As the IPL season kicks off this Saturday, Cummins 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.
In the meantime, Ishan Kishan has been appointed as the interim captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad. Cummins expressed confidence in Kishan’s leadership, noting, “Ishan’s had a really successful captaincy stint with his local side in the last year or so.”
Despite the setback, Cummins is optimistic about his recovery. “I’m still recovering from a back injury, but it’s good. I’m back bowling in the nets,” he shared. He is currently bowling every third day, following a structured rehabilitation plan.
Looking ahead, Cummins aims to return for the second half of IPL 2026, contingent on his recovery progress. “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 added.
Additionally, Cummins has missed the T20 World Cup due to a minor setback, further complicating his return to competitive cricket. The Bangladesh series, running from August 13 to 26, will also see him sidelined.
Sunrisers Hyderabad last lifted the IPL trophy in 2016, and with Cummins at the helm, the team hopes to reclaim past glory. Observers are keenly watching how the team adapts under Kishan’s leadership in Cummins’ absence.
As the tournament unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be eager to see if Cummins can make a triumphant return and lead his team back to the top.
