Before the start of IPL 2026, expectations were high for Pat Cummins, who had previously led Sunrisers Hyderabad to the finals in 2024. However, his recent lumbar stress back injury has sidelined him, leading to a significant shift in the team’s dynamics.
As of now, Cummins is still recovering and missed the 2026 T20 World Cup. Ishan Kishan has stepped in as the stand-in captain for Sunrisers Hyderabad, showcasing his leadership skills in Cummins’ absence.
Recent updates indicate that Cummins has begun bowling in the nets but has yet to receive clearance from Cricket Australia to compete in the IPL. Daniel Vettori, a prominent figure in the cricket community, mentioned that Cummins could potentially be available in the next 10-12 days, which is a glimmer of hope for fans and the team alike.
In IPL 2025, Cummins had an impressive performance, taking 16 wickets in 14 games with an average of 28.13 and an economy rate of 9.06. His absence is felt deeply, especially as Sunrisers Hyderabad faces Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the tournament opener, where RCB opted to field first after winning the toss.
The current playing XI for Sunrisers Hyderabad includes notable players like Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head, but the team is undoubtedly missing Cummins’ experience and skill on the field. The impact of his injury is significant, as he was expected to lead the bowling attack.
Vettori emphasized Cummins’ exceptional fitness during rehabilitation, stating, “His fitness has been exceptional. He’s been out of the game for an extended period of time, so he’s had time to work on fitness.” This raises hopes for a swift recovery.
As the tournament progresses, fans are eagerly awaiting a definitive timeline for Cummins’ return. Vettori noted, “Hopefully, we can get a definitive timeline, probably in the next 10-12 days, on when he can return to play.” This uncertainty adds to the tension surrounding the team’s performance.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding his exact return date, but the cricket community is hopeful that Cummins will soon rejoin his teammates and make a significant impact in the latter half of IPL 2026.
