Pat Cummins, the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad, has been managing a back issue since last year, which has significantly impacted his playing schedule. As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season approaches, Cummins has confirmed that he will miss the start of the tournament. The season kicks off on Saturday, and his absence raises concerns for the team, which last clinched the IPL title in 2016.
In a recent statement, Cummins expressed optimism about his recovery, saying, “I’m still recovering from a back injury, but it’s good. I’m back bowling in the nets.” He has been practicing every third day, indicating a positive step towards regaining his fitness. However, he acknowledged that he won’t be ready for the initial matches, stating, “I won’t make the start of that, but it shouldn’t be too long before I’m back out there playing.”
With Cummins sidelined, Ishan Kishan has been appointed as the interim captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad. Kishan’s leadership experience, having had a successful captaincy stint with his local side over the past year, is expected to help guide the team during this challenging period.
Looking ahead, Cummins remains hopeful about his return, aiming to participate in the latter half of IPL 2026, contingent on his recovery progress. 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 plan underscores his determination to contribute to his team as they strive for success.
Despite his injury setbacks, Cummins has shown resilience, having played only one competitive match since July last year. His absence from the T20 World Cup due to a minor setback further emphasizes the challenges he has faced in recent months.
The upcoming Bangladesh series, scheduled from August 13 to 26, will also be a critical period for Cummins as he continues his recovery. Observers are keen to see how his health progresses and whether he can make a timely return to competitive cricket.
As the IPL season unfolds, the Sunrisers Hyderabad will be looking to navigate the challenges of playing without their captain, while Cummins remains focused on his rehabilitation journey. The cricket community watches closely, hoping for his swift return to the pitch.
