Australian star Pat Cummins has temporarily withdrawn from the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), returning to Australia for further medical evaluation of a persistent back injury, in a development that has raised concerns over his availability for the remainder of the season.
The Sunrisers Hyderabad captain has yet to feature in the current campaign due to fitness issues, with his latest trip aimed at obtaining a clearer assessment of his rehabilitation progress and potential return timeline. According to ESPNcricinfo, Cummins travelled under the supervision of Cricket Australia to undergo a pre-scheduled back scan, designed to evaluate the severity of the injury.
Should the medical results prove encouraging, Cummins is expected to rejoin the Sunrisers Hyderabad squad around 17 April. His departure came shortly after Hyderabad’s commanding 65-run victory over Kolkata Knight Riders on 2 April, following which he left India for Australia.
Ongoing Rehabilitation and Injury History
Cummins had already confirmed prior to the tournament that he would miss the opening phase of the IPL due to his back issue, although he had expressed optimism about returning for the latter stages, including the playoffs. Despite not being match-fit, he was observed participating in bowling drills during training ahead of Hyderabad’s opening fixture against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on 28 March, suggesting gradual progress in recovery.
However, his decision to undergo additional medical scanning highlights the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the injury. The Australian fast bowler has been managing back problems since July last year, significantly limiting his appearances across both international and franchise cricket.
His most recent competitive outing came during the third Test of The Ashes in December. Although he had initially been targeting a return for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup earlier this year, setbacks in recovery ultimately ruled him out of the tournament.
Leadership Adjustments at Sunrisers Hyderabad
In Cummins’ absence, wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has assumed interim leadership responsibilities for Sunrisers Hyderabad. The franchise has confirmed that Kishan will continue as captain until Cummins is deemed fully fit and cleared for competitive action.
The team has also had to reorganise its bowling attack, with overseas pacers Ishan Malinga and David Payne stepping up to lead the pace unit. While Hyderabad have shown competitiveness in early fixtures, Cummins’ absence remains a significant setback given his experience, tactical acumen, and leadership value.
Early Season Standings and Fixtures
Sunrisers Hyderabad currently sit sixth in the IPL table, having secured one win from two matches and accumulated two points. Their upcoming fixture against Lucknow Super Giants is seen as an important opportunity to stabilise their campaign momentum.
At the top of the standings, Punjab Kings have made a strong start with four points from their opening matches.
Key Details Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Player | Pat Cummins |
| Team | Sunrisers Hyderabad |
| Tournament | Indian Premier League (IPL) |
| Issue | Back injury |
| Medical Action | Returned to Australia for scan |
| Expected Return | Around 17 April (subject to fitness) |
| Interim Captain | Ishan Kishan |
| Current Standing | 6th place (2 points from 2 matches) |
| Next Match | vs Lucknow Super Giants |
As the IPL season progresses, Cummins’ recovery will remain closely monitored by both franchise officials and national selectors. His return, if achieved in time, could provide a decisive boost to Sunrisers Hyderabad’s push for a playoff place in one of the world’s most demanding T20 competitions.