Pat Cummins Returns Home for Final Back Scan, Eyes Mid-IPL Comeback

Pat Cummins, the designated captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), has temporarily left the IPL 2026 camp to return to Australia for a scheduled scan on his injured back. The assessment will be conducted under the supervision of Cricket Australia (CA), with expectations that Cummins could rejoin the squad around April 17, subject to medical clearance.

Cummins has been sidelined from competitive cricket since July last year, apart from a lone appearance in the third Ashes series Test in December. His ongoing recovery has been closely managed, and this latest scan is understood to be part of a planned rehabilitation process rather than a fresh concern.

Ahead of IPL 2026, Cummins had already indicated he would likely miss the initial phase of the tournament, aiming instead to return for the latter half and potential playoffs. He had resumed bowling in training sessions and was gradually increasing his workload, bowling every third day as part of a structured recovery program.

In his absence, SRH appointed Ishan Kishan as stand-in captain, a role he will continue to hold until Cummins is fit to return. The team has also relied on overseas pacers Eshan Malinga and David Payne to lead the bowling attack.

SRH, who began their campaign against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on March 28, are set to face Lucknow Super Giants in their third match of the season in Hyderabad on Sunday.

Cummins had also missed out on the ICC Men's T20 World Cup earlier this year due to a minor setback in his recovery, but remains optimistic about returning to full fitness soon.