Pat Cummins has been managing a back issue since last year, which has severely impacted his playing time. The Australian fast bowler has only participated in one competitive match since July 2022, raising concerns about his fitness ahead of the upcoming cricket season.
In a recent update, Cummins confirmed that he is recovering from his injury but will miss the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, which begins on Saturday. “I’m still recovering from a back injury, but it’s good. I’m back bowling in the nets,” he stated.
Despite his progress, Cummins acknowledged that he won’t be ready for the tournament’s opening matches. “I won’t make the start of that, but it shouldn’t be too long before I’m back out there playing,” he added.
As Cummins continues his recovery, the Sunrisers Hyderabad have appointed Ishan Kishan as interim captain in his absence. Kishan has had a successful captaincy stint with his local side over the past year, making him a suitable choice to lead the team.
Looking ahead, Cummins is optimistic about returning to the field. 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 as they aim for their first IPL title since 2016.
Additionally, Cummins has faced challenges beyond the IPL, having missed the T20 World Cup due to a minor setback. His ongoing recovery will be closely monitored as he aims to rejoin competitive cricket soon.
The Bangladesh series, scheduled from August 13 to 26, will also be a crucial period for Cummins as he seeks to regain full fitness. Observers are hopeful that his return will bolster the Sunrisers Hyderabad’s chances in the IPL.
As the cricketing world watches closely, the focus remains on Cummins’ recovery and the impact of his absence on the Sunrisers Hyderabad’s performance in the early stages of the tournament.
