As the buzz around ipl 2026 Gaining momentum, all eyes are on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) And their preparation for the new season. However, the franchise will begin its campaign without pat cumminsWho is still recovering from a back injury. The Australian captain’s absence in the early stages is a blow, but the team is optimistic about his return towards the end of the tournament.
Cummins, one of the most influential fast bowlers in world cricket, is working his way back to full fitness after a challenging few months. Despite missing major international duties, including limited roles during the Ashes and T20 World Cup, the SRH captain has now resumed bowling and is steadily moving towards match preparation.
Pat Cummins opens up about his availability for SRH in IPL 2026
Giving an apparent update on his recovery, Cummins recently confirmed that he will not be available for the start of IPL 2026 but is aiming to return midway through the tournament. Talking about his rehabilitation, the Australian captain revealed that he has already resumed bowling in the nets and is following a structured plan to regain full fitness.
“I’m still recovering from a back injury, but it’s good. I’ve been bowling in the nets. The IPL is starting soon, I won’t be starting. But it shouldn’t take me too long to get back playing there.” Cummins recently said on the Business of Sport Podcast
Cummins explained that his workload is being carefully managed, with bowling sessions being scheduled every few days. The focus, he said, is to ensure that he remains at his peak physically during the latter stages of the competition. If his recovery continues without setbacks, he is expected to be available for the second half of the league stage and potentially the playoffs.
“I’m coming back into bowling. I’m bowling basically every third day at the moment. We’ve planned to have me right through the middle of the tournament. So hopefully if nothing goes wrong, I’ll be playing the back half and the final.” added Cummins.
Despite his temporary absence, Cummins has already joined the team ahead of the opening match against Bengaluru Royal Challengers Bangalore. star batsman in his absence Ishan Kishan Will take over the responsibility of captaincy. Cummins expressed confidence in Kishan’s leadership, highlighting his recent success at the domestic level and his understanding of local conditions and players.
The Australian also acknowledged the importance of local knowledge within the team, especially during the early stages of the tournament. He said experienced Indian players help bridge communication gaps and provide valuable insights, especially when dealing with younger or less familiar teammates.
“Ishan has had a very successful captaincy with his local team over the last year or so. Those guys, you depend on them anyway. We have a pretty experienced bowling group of local guys, so some of the young guys who come in, I don’t even know about them.” Cummins said further.
Also read: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) announced Harshit Rana’s replacement for IPL 2026.
Why Cummins is important for SRH’s IPL ambitions?
Cummins’ eventual return could prove to be a turning point for Sunrisers Hyderabad. Apart from his ability with the ball, his leadership and tactical awareness make him a key figure in the team’s setup. Known for his calm demeanor under pressure, Cummins brings balance to the team, especially in high-risk matches.
His presence strengthens the bowling attack, providing both pace and control, while also adding depth to the lower-order batting. For a team aiming to advance in IPL 2026, having their captain back during the crucial phase could boost their chances significantly.
Sri Lankan fast bowler gave further boost to the team ehsan malinga Has joined the team after getting approval from his national board. His inclusion has added new energy to the bowling unit as SRH look to play without their captain in the early part of the season.
