Pat Cummins has been managing a back issue since last year, which has significantly impacted his playing schedule. As the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad, Cummins has played only one competitive match since July last year, raising concerns about his fitness ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season.
With the IPL 2026 season set to begin on Saturday, Cummins has confirmed that he will miss the start of the tournament. He stated, “I won’t make the start of that, but it shouldn’t be too long before I’m back out there playing.” This statement reflects his optimism about a potential return.
Currently, Cummins is back bowling in the nets every third day, indicating progress in his recovery. He expressed, “I’m still recovering from a back injury, but it’s good. I’m back bowling in the nets.” His focus remains on regaining full fitness.
Looking ahead, Cummins has outlined a plan for his return, stating, “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 suggests that if his recovery continues to go well, he could be available for crucial matches later in the tournament.
In Cummins’ absence, Ishan Kishan has been appointed as the interim captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad. Kishan’s leadership experience, having had a successful captaincy stint with his local side in the last year, will be vital for the team as they navigate the early stages of the IPL.
Additionally, Cummins has faced setbacks beyond the IPL, having missed participation in the T20 World Cup due to a minor injury issue. His commitment to recovery is evident, as he aims to return to competitive cricket soon.
The Bangladesh series, which runs from 13 to 26 August, is another important event on the horizon for Cummins and the Australian team. His availability for this series will depend on the progress of his rehabilitation.
Sunrisers Hyderabad last won the IPL in 2016, and the team will be eager to improve their performance this season. With Cummins’ leadership and skills, they hope to make a strong comeback.
As the IPL 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on Cummins’ recovery and the impact of his absence on Sunrisers Hyderabad’s campaign.
