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Pat Cummins Returns to Australia for Final Back Injury Scan Amid IPL 2026

Australian captain Pat Cummins has departed the IPL 2026 to undergo a final scheduled scan on his back injury under Cricket Australia's supervision. He left after Sunrisers Hyderabad's match against Kolkata Knight Riders and is anticipated to rejoin the squad around April 17, pending medical clearance. Cummins has been bowling in the nets as part of a structured rehab plan after a long period of inactivity. In his absence, Ishan Kishan is leading the Sunrisers Hyderabad side.

Key Points: Pat Cummins Leaves IPL for Back Injury Scan, Return Date Set

  • Cummins leaves IPL for planned scan
  • Expected to rejoin SRH by April 17
  • Has resumed bowling in nets
  • Ishan Kishan leading SRH in his absence
2 min read

Pat Cummins returns to Australia for final scan on his back injury amid IPL 2026

Australia captain Pat Cummins leaves Sunrisers Hyderabad for a final back scan. Get details on his rehab and expected IPL 2026 return date.

"I'm still recovering from a back injury, but it's good. I'm back bowling in the nets. - Pat Cummins"

New Delhi, April 4

Pat Cummins, the Australia captain who is also the designated skipper of the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League, has left the IPL 2026 camp and returned to Australia to undergo a final scan on his back injury, according to ESPNcricinfo.

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.

While speaking on the Business of Sport podcast, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo, Cummins said, "I'm still recovering from a back injury, but it's good. I'm back bowling in the nets."

The fast bowler had acknowledged that he is set to miss the initial phase of the IPL but remained optimistic about making a timely comeback.

"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," Cummins had said.

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.

SRH are now going to face the Lucknow Super Giants in their third game of the IPL 2026 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on April 5.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan, this is disappointing but necessary. Back injuries for fast bowlers are no joke. Hope the scan goes well and he's back soon. SRH needs his leadership and death bowling.
A
Ananya R
Honestly, I'm more excited to see Ishan Kishan as captain! It's time for young Indian players to get these leadership roles in IPL. Maybe this injury is a blessing in disguise for Indian cricket? 🤔
V
Vikram M
This "planned procedure" feels a bit last minute? The IPL season just started. I hope there's full transparency between the board and the franchise. SRH paid big money for a captain who isn't there.
K
Karthik V
Get well soon, Pat! But also, kudos to the SRH think tank for having a solid Indian vice-captain ready. The show must go on. That win at Eden Gardens without him shows the team's spirit.
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Priya S
His body hasn't had much cricket since July. Maybe the intense schedule of IPL was always a risk. Hope he recovers fully not just for IPL but for the important international season ahead for Australia.

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