Pat Cummins, the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad, has been grappling with a persistent back injury since last year, which has severely limited his participation in competitive cricket. Having played only one match since July, Cummins is now focused on recovery, but the timing couldn’t be more critical as the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season is set to kick off this Saturday.
In a recent statement, Cummins expressed optimism about his recovery, saying, “I’m still recovering from a back injury, but it’s good. I’m back bowling in the nets.” However, he confirmed that he will not be available for the start of the tournament, adding, “I won’t make the start of that, but it shouldn’t be too long before I’m back out there playing.”
With the IPL just around the corner, Cummins has laid out a plan to return to the field. He stated, “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 hopeful outlook is contingent on his ongoing recovery process, which includes bowling in the nets every third day.
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 over the past year, positions him well to guide the team during this challenging period.
As the IPL 2026 season approaches, the Sunrisers Hyderabad will be looking to regain their former glory, having last clinched the title in 2016. The team will need to navigate the early matches without their star captain, who is also missing out on the T20 World Cup due to a minor setback.
The Bangladesh series, which runs from August 13 to 26, will also be a significant event for Cummins, as he aims to make a return to competitive cricket. Observers are keenly watching how his recovery progresses and whether he can rejoin the squad in time for the latter stages of the IPL.
Overall, while Pat Cummins faces a challenging road ahead, his determination and the support from his team may pave the way for a successful return to the pitch.
