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Pat Cummins' IPL Return in Doubt as SRH Coach Reveals April Comeback Plan

Sunrisers Hyderabad head coach Daniel Vettori has provided an update on captain Pat Cummins' recovery from a back injury. Cummins has returned to Australia for a final scheduled scan on April 15, which is a planned procedure under Cricket Australia's supervision. Vettori stated that if cleared, Cummins will rejoin the squad for a gradual fitness build-up with the aim of playing in the latter part of April. In Cummins' absence, Ishan Kishan is leading the SRH side for the IPL 2026 season.

Key Points: Pat Cummins IPL Comeback: SRH Coach Vettori Reveals April Return Plan

  • Cummins to have final scan on April 15
  • Expected to rejoin SRH squad on April 17
  • Rehabilitating from a back injury
  • Ishan Kishan leading SRH in his absence
2 min read

"He'll hopefully play in the back end of April": Daniel Vettori on Pat Cummins' comeback for SRH

SRH coach Daniel Vettori says Pat Cummins could return in late April after a final scan. Get the latest update on the captain's injury rehab.

"He'll rejoin the team and have a slow build-up to hopefully play in the game in the back end of April. - Daniel Vettori"

Hyderabad, April 4

Sunrisers Hyderabad head coach Daniel Vettori has said that Pat Cummins could "hopefully" play in the back-end of April and has "looked really good" during the training sessions.

Cummins, the designated captain of SRH in the Indian Premier League (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.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of SRH's match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Sunday, Daniel Vettori said that Cummins is scheduled for a scan on April 15. He noted that Cummins will rejoin the squad and gradually build up his fitness, with a potential return to matches later in April.

"Pat, very clear, as part of his schedule, he has to have a scan just to clear everything off on April 15th, and all going well because he's trained with us and he's looked really good. He'll rejoin the team and have a slow build-up to hopefully play in the game in the back end of April," Vettori said.

Cummins' scan is a planned procedure to be carried out under the supervision of Cricket Australia (CA), according to the report. Cummins left India after Sunrisers Hyderabad's most recent match against Kolkata Knight Riders in Kolkata on Thursday. He is expected to rejoin the squad on April 17, subject to clearance from CA.

Cummins, who has been largely inactive since July last year--apart from featuring in a single Ashes Test in Adelaide--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.

SRH started their IPL 2026 campaign on a poor note as they faced a six-wicket defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their campaign opener, but bounced back well in their second game as they defeated Kolkata Knight Riders by 65 runs at the Eden Gardens.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan, player health should always come first. It's smart that CA is overseeing the scan. Better to miss a few IPL games than risk a long-term injury. Wishing him a full recovery.
A
Ananya R
Back injuries for fast bowlers are very tricky. They rushed him back for that one Ashes Test and now this. The management needs to be more careful. On the bright side, it's a chance for Ishan to prove his captaincy mettle!
V
Vikram M
The team just found some momentum with that win against KKR. Losing your captain now is not ideal. Hope the Indian players step up in his absence. Our domestic pace attack needs to deliver.
D
Daniel Q
Vettori's comments are positive. "Looked really good in training" is promising. If the scan clears him, a slow build-up is the right approach. A fit Cummins in the playoffs could be a game-changer for SRH.
P
Priya S
It's a bit frustrating as a fan who bought tickets for the next home game hoping to see Cummins play. But health is wealth, as we say. Just hope the team keeps winning so his return matters for the knockouts!

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