Pat Cummins, the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad, has been managing a back issue since last year, which has significantly impacted his playing schedule. He has participated in only one competitive match since July, leaving fans and teammates anxious about his return to form.
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 said, expressing optimism about his recovery process.
Despite the setback, Cummins is hopeful about returning to competitive cricket. He stated, “I won’t make the start of that, but it shouldn’t be too long before I’m back out there playing.” His plan is to be fit enough to participate in the latter half of the IPL season, provided his recovery continues to progress well.
In Cummins’ absence, Ishan Kishan has been appointed as the interim captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad. Cummins acknowledged Kishan’s leadership skills, noting, “Ishan’s had a really successful captaincy stint with his local side in the last year or so,” indicating confidence in his team’s ability to perform under new leadership.
The IPL 2026 season kicks off on Saturday, and while Cummins will not be present at the beginning, he has mapped out a plan to ensure his return by the middle of the tournament. “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 shared.
Fans of both Cummins and Sunrisers Hyderabad are eager to see their captain back on the field, especially since the team last won the IPL in 2016. As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on Cummins’ recovery and whether he can make a triumphant return.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh series is set to run from August 13 to 26, and Cummins’ absence from the T20 World Cup due to a minor setback has raised further concerns about his fitness. Observers are hopeful that his commitment to recovery will pay off, allowing him to rejoin his teammates in the near future.
As the situation develops, fans and officials alike remain optimistic for Cummins’ swift return to the game he loves.
