Pat Cummins Ready for IPL Return

Hyderabad (Telangana), April 16: Pat Cummins has been given the green light to return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) after his back injury fully healed, according to recent scans. This news comes as a big boost for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) as the IPL enters a crucial stage.

Cummins, SRH’s regular captain, had flown back to Australia earlier this month for further tests on a lumbar stress injury that has kept him out since July last year. After positive results from scans in Sydney, Cummins is now aiming to make his comeback on April 25 when SRH faces Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur.

The injury first surfaced during Australia’s tour of the West Indies last year. It forced Cummins to miss most of the home season, where he only played one match—a standout performance in the Adelaide Test against England, taking six wickets. He was initially considered for the T20 World Cup but couldn’t make it due to recovery timelines.

In his absence, SRH has had a mixed IPL campaign, sitting mid-table with two wins from five matches. Ishan Kishan has stepped up as interim captain and has been working closely with Cummins, who has stayed involved with the team during his rehab.

SRH’s head coach Daniel Vettori recently praised Cummins’ leadership skills and how he has helped mentor Kishan. The team hopes Cummins’ return will bring stability and push them toward a playoff spot.

Meanwhile, other Australian players are also making progress. Josh Hazlewood has resumed for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, while Mitchell Starc is still recovering from injuries for Delhi Capitals.

Cummins’ return is significant as Australia gears up for a busy red-ball schedule ahead, including Test series against several teams and a potential World Test Championship final.

For now, SRH will be hoping their captain’s return can give them the boost they need to secure a playoff spot. They currently sit fourth with two wins in five matches.