"Aiming for...": Pat Cummins reveals IPL 2026 comeback date for SRH
Sydney, April 15
Sunrisers Hyderabad Pat Cummins has confirmed that he will not play the upcoming Indian Premier League 2026 clash against the five-time champions Chennai Super Kings on April 18.
The veteran Australian player has also ruled himself out of the SRH's match against the Delhi Capitals on April 21. The development was confirmed after he replied to a fan on his Instagram post on Wednesday.
The Hyderabad skipper Cummins added that he is targeting the April 25 clash against the Rajasthan Royals in the ongoing IPL season. The Australian Test and ODI skipper further revealed he is flying back on April 17 to join the squad. "Fly back Friday. Aiming for 25th vs RR," Cummins replied to fans on Instagram.
Cummins, who is the designated captain of SRH in the IPL, is rehabilitating from a back injury. Notably, the pacer has left the IPL 2026 camp and returned to Australia to undergo a final scan on his back injury, according to an ESPNcricinfo report.
Cummins has been largely inactive since July last year--apart from featuring in a single Ashes Test in Adelaide--and earlier said that he has resumed bowling in the nets and is gradually building up his workload as part of a structured rehabilitation plan.
In place of Cummins, the Indian wicketkeeper batter Ishan Kishan is the skipper for SRH in the 2026 season.
Meanwhile, the Hyderabad-based franchise has secured two wins in five matches in the IPL 2026 season. SRH have lost three games and are having four points with a Net Run Rate (NRR) of +0.576.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As a cricket fan, player health should always come first. It's smart of him and the management to prioritize the scan and rehab. The April 25th target seems realistic. Get well soon, Pat!
Back injuries for fast bowlers are no joke. He's been out for so long! SRH's season might hinge on these next few games without him. On the bright side, it's a great opportunity for Ishan Kishan to prove his leadership.
Honestly, I'm a bit disappointed. As a captain, he should be with the team even if he's not playing. Flying back to Australia in the middle of the season doesn't send a great message to the fans or the squad. Just my two paise.
Missing the CSK and DC matches is huge. Our bowling looks thin without him. Hope the Indian bowlers step up! At least the management is being transparent with the fans via his social media. #OrangeArmy 💪
The schedule is brutal. Flying back for a scan makes complete sense if it gives him and Cricket Australia clarity. Better to miss two games now than the rest of the season. Smart long-term thinking.
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