Pat Cummins Returns to Australia for Medical Check Amid IPL 2026
Synopsis
Pat Cummins, the Sunrisers Hyderabad captain, has returned to Australia for a crucial medical scan on his ongoing back injury, leaving his team to navigate IPL 2026 without him. This situation raises questions about SRH's strategy as they prepare for upcoming matches.
Key Takeaways
Pat Cummins is undergoing a medical scan for his back injury.
He has missed several crucial matches, including the Ashes and ICC T20 World Cup.
Ishan Kishan is leading SRH in Cummins' absence.
SRH has won one and lost one match in IPL 2026.
Upcoming match against Lucknow Super Giants is critical for SRH.
New Delhi, April 4 (NationPress) Pat Cummins, the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), has departed for Australia amidst the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 to undergo a final medical evaluation for his lingering back injury.
The Australian fast bowler has not participated in any matches since the Ashes series against England and was also absent from the recently held ICC T20 World Cup 2026, where Australia faced an early exit from the group stage.
As reported by ESPNCricinfo, Cummins returned to Australia immediately following SRH's exciting victory over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on April 2 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. This medical assessment had been scheduled in advance and will be conducted under the oversight of Cricket Australia (CA).
The Australian skipper, who has already missed the first two games of the season, is set to miss two additional matches but is expected to rejoin the team on April 17, pending the results of his scan.
Ishan Kishan has been named captain in Cummins' absence and will continue to lead the team as it navigates the early stages of IPL 2026.
Under Kishan's guidance, the 2016 champions SRH faced a setback in their opening match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on March 28, losing by six wickets due to a subpar bowling performance.
However, SRH made a strong comeback in their subsequent match, defeating three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 65 runs. Currently, SRH stands sixth in the points table with two points from two matches and a net run rate of +0.469.
Sunrisers Hyderabad's next challenge will be against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their first home game of IPL 2026, scheduled to be held at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Hyderabad this Sunday.
Point of View
Pat Cummins' return to Australia for a medical scan highlights the ongoing challenges faced by athletes in high-stakes competitions. His absence raises concerns for Sunrisers Hyderabad as they strive to maintain their performance in IPL 2026.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Pat Cummins leave IPL 2026?
Pat Cummins left IPL 2026 to undergo a final medical scan for his persistent back injury.
Who is leading Sunrisers Hyderabad in Cummins' absence?
Ishan Kishan has taken over as captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad in Pat Cummins' absence.
How has Sunrisers Hyderabad performed in IPL 2026 so far?
Sunrisers Hyderabad has won one match and lost one, currently sitting sixth in the points table.
When is Pat Cummins expected to return?
Pat Cummins is expected to rejoin the team on April 17, pending the results of his medical scan.
What are SRH's upcoming matches in IPL 2026?
Sunrisers Hyderabad's next match is against Lucknow Super Giants in their first home game of IPL 2026.
