Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) head coach Daniel Vettori has provided a positive update on captain Pat Cummins ahead of their IPL 2026 opener against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Saturday, March 28. While Cummins is set to miss the initial matches, there is growing optimism within the camp regarding his recovery.
The Australian all-rounder has been sidelined due to a lumbar stress injury, but recent developments suggest he is progressing well and could return sooner than expected.
Daniel Vettori gives encouraging fitness update on Pat Cummins
Speaking ahead of the season opener, Vettori revealed that Cummins has already joined the squad in India and is working hard behind the scenes to regain full match fitness.
The SRH coach praised the dedication shown by Cummins during his time away from competitive cricket, highlighting that the break allowed him to focus heavily on improving his overall fitness and conditioning.
Vettori explained that although Cummins is now fit, the team is taking a cautious approach when it comes to increasing his bowling workload. He described the process as gradual and “painstaking,” as the pacer rebuilds rhythm and confidence after a long layoff.
The franchise is expected to have a clearer picture of his return timeline within the next 10–12 days, with a likely comeback sometime in April.
Cummins likely to miss initial IPL 2026 matches
Cummins’ absence means he will sit out the opening phase of IPL 2026, including the high-profile clash against RCB. However, the injury is not considered serious, and the management is focused on ensuring he returns fully fit rather than rushing him back.
For SRH, this cautious approach is crucial, given the importance of Cummins not just as a strike bowler but also as the team’s leader. Fans can take comfort in the fact that his recovery is on track, and he is unlikely to be out for an extended period.
Ishan Kishan to lead SRH in the absence of Cummins
In Cummins’ absence, wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has been appointed as the stand-in captain for the early part of the tournament, with Abhishek Sharma serving as vice-captain.
Vettori backed the decision, praising Kishan’s experience and energetic approach to leadership. He expressed confidence that the young Indian star can handle the pressure of leading the side, especially in a big opening game.
Interestingly, Cummins himself had earlier supported Kishan’s leadership abilities, adding further confidence to the team’s decision.
With their regular captain unavailable, Sunrisers Hyderabad will aim to start IPL 2026 on a positive note under Kishan’s leadership. The team management is focused on balancing immediate performance with long-term player fitness.
The return of Cummins will be carefully managed to avoid any risk of re-injury, ensuring he is fully prepared to contribute when he comes back.
