Pat Cummins is currently recovering from a back injury and will miss the start of IPL 2026. Ishan Kishan has been named interim captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Pat Cummins has been managing a back issue since last year, which has significantly impacted his cricketing schedule. The Australian fast bowler has played only one competitive match since July of the previous year, and his recovery has become a focal point for fans and the cricketing community alike.
As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season approaches, Cummins has confirmed that he will miss the tournament’s start. “I won’t make the start of that, but it shouldn’t be too long before I’m back out there playing,” he stated, indicating optimism about his recovery.
Currently, Cummins is back bowling in the nets every third day, a positive sign in his rehabilitation process. He expressed, “I’m still recovering from a back injury, but it’s good. I’m back bowling in the nets.” This progress suggests that if all goes well, he aims to return for the second half of IPL 2026.
In Cummins’ absence, Ishan Kishan has been appointed as the interim captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad. Cummins praised Kishan’s leadership skills, noting, “Ishan’s had a really successful captaincy stint with his local side in the last year or so.” This change comes as the team prepares for a season that begins on Saturday.
Despite his injury setbacks, Cummins remains focused on his recovery plan. 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 determination reflects his commitment to returning to competitive cricket.
Additionally, Cummins has faced challenges in participating in the T20 World Cup due to a minor setback, further complicating his recent cricketing endeavors. The Bangladesh series, which runs from August 13 to 26, will also see him sidelined.
Sunrisers Hyderabad, the team Cummins captains, last won the IPL in 2016, and fans are eager to see how the team performs under Kishan’s leadership during this transitional period.
As the season unfolds, observers will be keen to see if Cummins can successfully return to the field as planned. His recovery timeline remains crucial for both his personal aspirations and the team’s performance in the IPL.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact date of Cummins’ return, but his statements suggest a hopeful outlook for his fans and teammates alike.
