Pat Cummins has been managing a back issue since last year, which has significantly impacted his playing schedule. The Australian cricketer has only participated in one competitive match since July 2022, raising concerns about his fitness and readiness for upcoming tournaments.
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.
Currently, Cummins is back bowling in the nets every third day, a positive sign in his rehabilitation process. He remarked, “I’m still recovering from a back injury, but it’s good. I’m back bowling in the nets.” This gradual return to bowling is part of a carefully mapped-out plan to ensure he is fit for the latter half of the tournament.
Cummins aims to return to competitive cricket in time for the second half of IPL 2026, with hopes of participating in the finals if his recovery progresses as planned. “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 leadership experience, particularly his successful captaincy stint with his local side, has been noted as a positive factor for the team during this transitional period.
The IPL 2026 season is set to begin on Saturday, and the Sunrisers Hyderabad, who last won the IPL in 2016, will be looking to make a strong start despite the absence of their captain.
Additionally, Cummins has faced setbacks in his international career, missing the T20 World Cup due to his ongoing injury issues. His commitment to recovery is crucial, not only for his franchise but also for his national team, especially with the Bangladesh series scheduled from August 13 to 26.
As the cricketing community watches closely, the focus remains on Cummins’ recovery and the impact of his absence on the Sunrisers Hyderabad’s campaign in IPL 2026. Observers are hopeful that his return will bolster the team’s chances as the tournament progresses.
