On Wednesday 18 March, just 10 days before the start of the season, SRH confirmed that Cummins would not feature in the opening preparations of IPL 2026. Details of his return remain unclear, similar to Cummins’ own comments during the build-up, where he said his availability would depend on how his back responded during rehabilitation.
With no clear timetable, SRH named the left-handed duo of Ishan Kishan as captain and Abhishek Sharma as vice-captain. It’s an interesting challenge considering Kishan has played just one season with the franchise and was preferred over Travis Head, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Abhishek himself.
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Kishan’s appointment also reflects a compelling personal turnaround. After falling out of favor with the Indian team in 2022 and losing his contract with the Board of Control for Cricket in India in 2023, he worked his way back. Not many people can do that. But that’s perhaps a story for another time.
At the moment, the bigger question remains about Cummins and whether SRH can cope without their strike bowler and leader on the field.
IMPACT OF PAT CUMMINS ON SRH
Cummins made an immediate impact after being signed for Rs 20.50 crore, transforming a side that had struggled at the bottom of the table in previous seasons. He has brought a high-intensity approach that has redefined batting expectations in the league, making a total of 250 or more seem achievable.
Under his leadership, SRH reached the IPL final for the first time in six years.
IPL 2025 THAT FAILED
However, the 2025 season was a struggle. On more level pitches, SRH’s aggressive batting approach faltered and the team lost six of their first eight matches.
With Cummins and head coach Daniel Vettori sticking to their philosophy, SRH struggled to adapt. It was only in the closing stages that they showed flexibility and ended up with three straight wins. A fourth was denied when their match against Delhi Capitals was lost.
CUMMINS BOWLER
As a bowler, Cummins continued to have a solid campaign, picking up 16 wickets from 14 matches at an economy rate of 9.
His efficiency in the middle overs stood out, conceding just 7.6 between overs 7 and 16, which helped SRH control the games after the powerplay.
He finished as SRH’s leading wicket-taker and his numbers could be better with more support.
CUMMINS TACTICAL CALL
However, there were tactical errors. Against Lucknow Super Giants, Cummins fielded Abhishek Sharma against Nicholas Pooran, one of the best spin-hitters in the game. The move backfired as LSG chased down 191 in just 16 overs.
Staying with a semi-fit Mohammed Shami for nine matches also hurt the side, with the pacer managing just six wickets at an economy of 11.
Can SRH cope WITHOUT CUMMINS?
Cummins’ season has been mixed, but his experience and ability to stabilize the side remain key.
In his absence, SRH will have to identify a leading paceman with options like Eshan Malinga and Brydon Carse.
It is a big test of leadership for Kishan. He led Jharkhand to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title, but the IPL is a different challenge.
SRH will be hoping Cummins makes a comeback soon. A long absence could derail their campaign and risk another miserable season.
– The end
Issued by:
Kingshuk Kusari
Published on:
18 March 2026 21:18 IST
