The upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season is set to see a significant absence for the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) franchise in its initial stages. Star all-rounder Pat Cummins, who was appointed captain, will be unavailable for the first half of the tournament due to a persistent back injury. The team had anticipated this scenario, with reports indicating they had already prepared by appointing Ishan Kishan as interim captain, understanding that Cummins would likely miss the opening fixtures.
Cummins recently arrived in India and was observed training with the SRH squad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. His session reportedly involved light sprints and low-intensity bowling practice in an empty net. While such facilities would typically offer a controlled environment for a player’s return, the actual circumstances surrounding Cummins’ fitness present a more complex picture.
In a candid discussion on the Business of Sport podcast, Cummins himself elaborated on his injury. He revealed that he is currently bowling twice a week but at a reduced intensity. This interview, which took place approximately a week prior to his arrival in India, confirmed his unavailability for the commencement of IPL 2026.
“I’m still recovering from a back injury, but it’s good. I’m back bowling in the nets,” Cummins stated during the podcast. “The IPL is starting soon. I won’t make the start of that, but it shouldn’t be too long before I’m back out there playing. I’m back bowling. I’m bowling basically every third day at the moment. We’ve mapped out a plan to get me right by (the) middle of the tournament, so hopefully, if nothing goes wrong, (I’ll) play the back half plus the finals.”
The Australian Test and ODI captain’s injury woes trace back to July 2022. His return to competitive cricket has been marked by caution, with only one match played since the initial injury. A previous instance of a hasty return, aimed at retaining the Ashes in a third Test match, unfortunately, led to further complications. This resulted in him missing the entirety of the T20 World Cup 2026 and now, a substantial portion of the IPL 2026 group stage. Cummins’ optimistic projection is to make a return during the playoff stages, provided SRH successfully navigates its way to that point in the tournament. This strategic approach aims to ensure his full fitness for the crucial latter stages of the competition.
Player Availability and Squad Dynamics
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to release the complete schedule for IPL 2026. However, confirmation has been provided for the first 20 matches, with the full fixture list expected to be announced before the week concludes.
Adding to the SRH squad news, fast bowler Eshan Malinga has reportedly joined the franchise. Malinga, known for his distinctive slingy action and impressive performances for Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) in the previous IPL season, has secured a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from his home board. During the last IPL campaign, he picked up 13 wickets in 7 matches, maintaining an economy rate of 8.92. Malinga’s inclusion could potentially help to mitigate the impact of Cummins’ absence.
However, the team faces a dual challenge in compensating for their captain’s unavailability. Beyond finding a suitable replacement bowler, SRH must also identify a leader capable of stepping into Cummins’ shoes and guiding the team effectively on the field. The effectiveness of Malinga’s contribution in bridging this gap remains to be seen, and the team’s overall performance will undoubtedly be influenced by how they manage these critical personnel changes. The strategic decisions made in the coming weeks will be crucial for Sunrisers Hyderabad’s campaign in IPL 2026.
