Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) fans are facing an anxious wait as captain Pat Cummins has cast doubt over his participation in the upcoming IPL 2026 season. The Australian star, who was retained by SRH for a staggering Rs 18 crore, recently pulled out of the 2026 T20 World Cup due to a recurring back injury.
The “Minor Setback”
Cummins was initially named in Australia’s 20-team preliminary squad for the World Cup but was replaced by Ben Dwarshuis on January 31 after failing to recover in time. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, the 32-year-old fast bowler described the situation as “unfortunate.”
“I feel pretty good, just a minor setback, and I just ran out of time, really. I’ll rest up for a few weeks and go from there.” — Pat Cummins
Will He Lead SRH in 2026?
While Cummins led SRH to the IPL final in 2024 and remains their primary leader, his presence in the 2026 edition is not yet guaranteed. The pacer noted that T20s are physically “easier to get up for” than other formats, but his priority remains long-term health.
- Medical Scans: Cummins is scheduled for a follow-up scan in a few weeks to assess the state of his back.
- The Recovery Plan: If the scans are clear, he plans a “slow build-up” to bowling intensity.
- Final Decision: His participation will be “guided by the back” and the success of his rehabilitation over the next month.
Impact on Sunrisers Hyderabad
Cummins’ absence would be a massive blow for the Hyderabad franchise, both in terms of high-end pace bowling and tactical leadership. After a record-breaking retention, the team’s strategy is heavily built around his multi-format expertise.