Pat Cummins Sets Sights on Mid-IPL 2026 Comeback Amid Injury Recovery
Australia captain Pat Cummins has provided a positive update on his rehabilitation from a back injury, announcing his goal to return to action midway through the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. In his absence, he has expressed strong support for Ishan Kishan to take over the captaincy of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
Steady Progress in Rehabilitation Plan
Speaking on the Business of Sport podcast, Cummins confirmed that he has resumed bowling and is making steady progress under a carefully structured rehabilitation program. "I’m still recovering from a back injury, but it’s good. I’m back bowling in the nets," he stated, indicating that his path to competitive play is on schedule.
The SRH skipper acknowledged that he will miss the initial stages of the tournament but remains hopeful for a timely return. "The IPL is starting soon. I won’t make the start of that, but it shouldn’t be too long before I’m back out there playing," he added, outlining a cautious approach to his recovery.
Cautious Bowling Schedule and Recovery Timeline
Cummins detailed his current bowling regimen, revealing that he is bowling every third day to manage his workload effectively. "I’m back bowling. I’m bowling basically every third day at the moment. We’ve mapped out a plan to get me right by the middle of the tournament, so hopefully, if nothing goes wrong, I’ll play the back half plus the finals," he explained.
This injury had previously sidelined him from the T20 World Cup and limited his participation to just one Test during the Ashes series. After experiencing a minor setback during his recovery, Cummins is now focused on ensuring he returns fully fit for the crucial latter stages of the IPL.
Endorsement of Ishan Kishan as Captain
With Cummins unavailable, Sunrisers Hyderabad have appointed wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan as captain, a decision Cummins wholeheartedly endorsed. "Ishan’s had a really successful captaincy stint with his local side in the last year or so," Cummins said, referring to Kishan's leadership role with Jharkhand.
Cummins also emphasized the vital role of local players in facilitating communication within the diverse squad. "We’ve got quite an experienced bowling group of local guys... I’m definitely leaning on the local guys who do know them well — or even speak the language," he noted, highlighting how this strategy helps bridge gaps and enhance team cohesion.
Sunrisers Hyderabad's Campaign Outlook
Sunrisers Hyderabad, who last clinched the IPL title in 2016, are set to begin their campaign against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Saturday. The team aims to remain competitive throughout the tournament, with hopes pinned on Cummins' return for the decisive phase to bolster their chances of success.
