IPL 2026: Pat Cummins Passes Fitness Test, Set for April 25 Comeback
Synopsis
Excitement builds as Pat Cummins clears his fitness test and aims for a comeback in IPL 2026 on April 25, boosting Sunrisers Hyderabad's chances. Find out how SRH has fared in his absence and what lies ahead for the team.
Key Takeaways
Pat Cummins cleared his fitness test.
Expected return on April 25 .
SRH currently fourth in points table.
Ishan Kishan is leading the team in Cummins' absence.
SRH recently defeated Rajasthan Royals.
New Delhi, April 16 (NationPress) Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) has received a significant boost in the midst of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season as their appointed captain, Pat Cummins, has successfully passed the fitness assessment and is anticipated to rejoin the team shortly.
Cummins traveled to India prior to the season but has yet to play. The 32-year-old returned to Australia immediately after SRH's exhilarating victory over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on April 2 for a back scan.
As reported by ESPNcricinfo, the scans conducted in Sydney confirmed that his injury has fully healed, allowing him to return to competitive cricket.
He is now aiming for a return on April 25, when SRH is set to compete against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Jaipur. The Australian all-rounder signaled via social media that he will be flying back to India soon to rejoin his teammates.
Since the Ashes series at home against England, Cummins has not participated in any matches. He also missed the recently concluded ICC T20 World Cup 2026, where Australia faced an early exit from the group stage for the first time.
In Cummins' absence, Ishan Kishan has taken over as captain. Under his leadership, the team has secured two victories out of five matches this season and currently stands in fourth place in the points table with a net run rate of +0.576.
SRH recently triumphed over the leading team, Rajasthan Royals (RR), with an impressive bowling performance from debutants Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain, each claiming four wickets as RR was bowled out for just 159 runs in 19 overs while pursuing a daunting target of 217 runs, losing by 57 runs.
The 2016 champions are set to face the five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) next on Saturday at their home ground, Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Hyderabad.
Point of View
It’s vital to highlight the significance of Pat Cummins' return for Sunrisers Hyderabad. His leadership and experience are crucial for the team, especially after their mixed performances this season. The anticipation surrounding his comeback adds an exciting dynamic to the IPL 2026 narrative.
NationPress
3 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Pat Cummins expected to return to SRH?
Pat Cummins is targeting a return on April 25, when SRH will face Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur.
How has SRH performed in Cummins' absence?
Under Ishan Kishan's captaincy, SRH has won two out of five matches and currently holds the fourth position in the points table.
What injury did Pat Cummins suffer from?
Pat Cummins had a back injury that required scans in Sydney, which have now confirmed that it has healed.
What has been the performance of SRH's bowlers recently?
In their last match against Rajasthan Royals, debutants Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain each took four wickets, leading to a victory.
Who will SRH play next in IPL 2026?
SRH is set to play against Chennai Super Kings at their home ground, Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, on Saturday.
