Pat Cummins, the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad, has been managing a back issue since last year, which has significantly impacted his playing schedule. Since July, he has participated in only one competitive match, leaving fans and teammates eager for his return. As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season approaches, Cummins finds himself in a race against time to recover.
With the IPL set to kick off this Saturday, Cummins has announced that he will miss the start of the tournament but is optimistic about his recovery. “I’m still recovering from a back injury, but it’s good. I’m back bowling in the nets,” he shared, indicating a positive step forward in his rehabilitation.
Cummins has mapped out a plan with his medical team, aiming to be fit for the second half of the tournament. “I won’t make the start of that, but it shouldn’t be too long before I’m back out there playing,” he added. If all goes well, he hopes to contribute during the latter stages of the IPL, including the finals.
In Cummins’ absence, Ishan Kishan has been appointed as the interim captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad. “Ishan’s had a really successful captaincy stint with his local side in the last year or so,” Cummins noted, expressing confidence in Kishan’s leadership.
Compounding his challenges, Cummins also missed the T20 World Cup due to a minor setback, further delaying his return to competitive cricket. As he continues to bowl in the nets every third day, fans are hopeful for his swift recovery.
The Bangladesh series, which runs from August 13 to 26, will also be a significant milestone for Cummins as he aims to regain full fitness. The Sunrisers Hyderabad last clinched the IPL title in 2016, and with Cummins at the helm, the team hopes to reclaim that glory.
As observers keep a close eye on his progress, the cricketing community remains supportive of Cummins during this challenging time. His determination and leadership will be crucial as he navigates this recovery phase, with hopes high for a triumphant return to the field.
