Pat Cummins, the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad, has been managing a back issue since last year, which has significantly impacted his playing schedule. Having participated in only one competitive match since July, Cummins is currently focused on his recovery, hoping to return to the cricket field soon.
As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season approaches, Cummins has confirmed that he will miss the tournament’s start. “I’m still recovering from a back injury, but it’s good. I’m back bowling in the nets,” he stated, indicating progress in his rehabilitation. He added, “I won’t make the start of that, but it shouldn’t be too long before I’m back out there playing.”
Despite the setback, Cummins is optimistic about his return, aiming to participate in the latter half of IPL 2026, provided his recovery continues to go well. “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 explained.
In Cummins’ absence, Ishan Kishan has been appointed as the interim captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad. Kishan, who has had a successful captaincy stint with his local side over the past year, will lead the team as they navigate the early stages of the tournament.
The IPL 2026 season is set to kick off on Saturday, and while Sunrisers Hyderabad last clinched the title in 2016, the team is eager to make a strong impression this year. Cummins’ leadership and performance will be crucial as the season progresses.
Additionally, Cummins faced a minor setback that kept him out of the T20 World Cup, further complicating his return to competitive cricket. As he prepares for the Bangladesh series running from August 13 to 26, the cricket community is keenly watching his recovery process.
With Cummins back bowling every third day, fans and teammates alike are hopeful for his swift return. The anticipation builds as the IPL season nears, and the Sunrisers look to capitalize on their captain’s experience and skill when he is fit to play.
As the situation unfolds, observers are eager to see how Cummins’ recovery will influence the Sunrisers Hyderabad’s performance in the upcoming matches. Details remain unconfirmed regarding his exact return date, but the cricket world remains optimistic about his comeback.
