Pat Cummins, the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad, has been managing a back issue since last year, which has significantly impacted his participation in competitive cricket. Having played only one match since July 2022, Cummins is currently focused on recovery and rehabilitation.
As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season approaches, 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, expressing optimism about his recovery.
In a recent update, Cummins shared, “I’m still recovering from a back injury, but it’s good. I’m back bowling in the nets every third day.” This progress is encouraging, as he aims to return to action in the second half of IPL 2026, contingent on his recovery trajectory.
To ensure the team remains competitive in his absence, Ishan Kishan has been appointed as the interim captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad. Cummins praised Kishan, noting, “Ishan’s had a really successful captaincy stint with his local side in the last year or so.” This leadership change comes at a critical time as the IPL season begins on Saturday.
Looking ahead, Cummins has a structured plan for his return. 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’s success.
Furthermore, Cummins was unable to participate in the T20 World Cup due to a minor setback, further complicating his cricketing calendar. The Bangladesh series, which runs from 13 to 26 August, will also see him sidelined.
Sunrisers Hyderabad last clinched the IPL title in 2016, and the team is eager to reclaim its former glory. With Cummins’ leadership and performance, they hope to make a strong comeback in the league.
As the situation develops, observers will be closely monitoring Cummins’ recovery and the impact of his absence on the Sunrisers Hyderabad’s performance in the early stages of the tournament.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact timeline of Cummins’ return, but his commitment to recovery and the team’s future remains unwavering.
