Pat Cummins, the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad, has been managing a back issue since last year, which has significantly impacted his playing schedule. As of now, he has participated in only one competitive match since July 2022, raising concerns about his fitness ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
The IPL 2026 season is set to commence on Saturday, but Cummins has confirmed that he will miss the start of the tournament. “I won’t make the start of that, but it shouldn’t be too long before I’m back out there playing,” he stated, indicating a cautious optimism regarding his recovery.
Currently, Cummins is back bowling in the nets every third day, a positive sign in his rehabilitation process. 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 to contribute to his team.
Looking ahead, Cummins has outlined a plan to return to competitive action during the second half of IPL 2026, contingent on his recovery progressing as expected. “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.
In Cummins’ absence, Ishan Kishan has been appointed as the interim captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad. Kishan’s recent successful captaincy stint with his local side has instilled confidence in the team as they prepare for the season.
Additionally, Cummins has faced setbacks that have prevented him from participating in the T20 World Cup, further complicating his return to form. Observers are keen to see how his recovery unfolds, especially with the Bangladesh series scheduled from August 13 to 26.
Sunrisers Hyderabad last claimed the IPL title in 2016, and the team is eager to improve their standing in the league. With Cummins’ leadership, they hope to make a significant impact, should he return as planned.
As the IPL season approaches, the cricketing community will be watching closely to see if Cummins can overcome his injury challenges and lead his team effectively.
