SunRisers Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins reportedly returned to Australia on Saturday, April 4 for a final scan on his injured back, according to ESPNCricinfo. The Australian fast bowler has been sidelined since July last year, missing the T20 World Cup, with his only appearance since then being a solitary Ashes Test in December. His prolonged absence has been a problem for both the national and franchise teams, given his key role in pace and his leadership qualities.
According to the report Cummins went home on Thursday at the conclusion of SRH’s last match against Kolkata Knight Riders in the ongoing IPL season. He is now expected to rejoin the SRH camp on April 17 following clearance from Cricket Australia. The franchise is optimistic that Cummins will regain full fitness and return to lead the bowling unit during the crucial middle phase of the tournament.
Ahead of the IPL 2026 season Cummins hinted in the podcast that he is still recovering from a back problem and is likely to miss the opening part of the tournament.
“I’m still recovering from my back injury but it’s good. I’m back bowling in the nets. The IPL starts soon. I won’t start but it shouldn’t be too long before I’m back playing,” Cummins told the Business of Sports podcast. “We planned a plan to get me right in (the) middle of the tournament.
HOW WILL SRH GET ON WITHOUT PAT CUMMINS?
The Australian Test captain was seen mingling with the SRH squad during training sessions ahead of their opening encounter against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on March 28, showing that he is ready despite his limited match practice.
In the absence of Cummins, SRH on behalf of Ishan Kishan as vice-captain of the franchise, with Abhishek Sharma as his deputy. To cover the bowling department, the team relied on Eshan Malinga and David Payne in their opening two matches against RCB and KKR. SRH will take on Lucknow Super Giants at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium = on Sunday and will be hoping to put up a strong show ahead of their skipper’s expected return.
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Published on:
04 Apr 2026 17:26 IST
