Pat Cummins IPL 2026

By Vikram Nair / 28.03.2026

Before the recent developments, expectations were high for Pat Cummins as he was set to lead Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2026. However, he is currently recovering from a lumbar stress back injury, which has sidelined him from the tournament and the 2026 T20 World Cup.

The decisive moment came when it was confirmed that Cummins would miss the initial matches of IPL 2026. Ishan Kishan has stepped in as the stand-in captain for Sunrisers Hyderabad during Cummins’ absence, showcasing his leadership skills in a challenging situation.

Cummins has begun bowling in the nets but has yet to receive clearance from Cricket Australia to participate in the IPL. According to expert Daniel Vettori, there is hope that Cummins could be available to play in the next 10-12 days, which would allow him to join the team in the latter half of the tournament.

This situation directly affects both Cummins and the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Cummins, who previously led the team to the final of IPL 2024, is eager to return to competitive cricket. Meanwhile, Kishan’s leadership will be crucial as the team navigates the early stages of the tournament without their star bowler.

In IPL 2025, Cummins had a noteworthy performance, taking 16 wickets in 14 games with an average of 28.13 and an economy rate of 9.06. His absence is felt deeply, as his contributions were significant in the previous season.

As the tournament progresses, the Sunrisers Hyderabad will be looking to maintain their competitive edge while awaiting Cummins’ return. The playing XI against Royal Challengers Bengaluru includes key players like Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head, who will need to step up in Cummins’ absence.

Vettori emphasized Cummins’ exceptional fitness during rehabilitation, noting that he has had time to work on his fitness despite being out of the game for an extended period. This suggests that once he receives clearance, he may return in good form.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact timeline for Cummins’ return, but the anticipation among fans and teammates continues to grow. The Sunrisers Hyderabad will be aiming for a strong start in the tournament as they adapt to the changes in their lineup.