Pat Cummins To Join SRH Camp Before CSK Clash After Fitness Test Clarification In Australia | Reports

Pat Cummins’ impending fitness test could pave the way for his timely IPL 2026 return, offering a major boost to Sunrisers Hyderabad’s playoff hopes.

Fresh hopes have emerged for Sunrisers Hyderabad with reports that skipper Pat Cummins will undergo a crucial fitness test on Wednesday in Australia before potentially flying back to India on April 17.

According to Cricbuzz, the Australian pace spearhead is progressing well in his recovery from a recurring lumbar bone stress injury, raising the possibility of his availability for the latter half of IPL 2026.

Cummins has been sidelined since July 2025 due to a lower back issue, which forced him to miss most of the 2025/26 Ashes series and the entire T20 World Cup 2026.

The injury, a persistent concern in his career, prompted a cautious rehabilitation approach under Cricket Australia’s supervision to prevent it from escalating into a full stress fracture.

Cummins’ IPL 2026 Hindered By Injury

Despite the setback, Cummins briefly joined the SRH camp ahead of the tournament, participating in light training and bowling in the nets every third day. However, he returned to Australia after SRH’s match against the Kolkata Knight Riders around April 4 for a pre-scheduled final scan.

The upcoming fitness test will be pivotal. If cleared, Cummins is expected to board a flight to India on April 17 and rejoin the squad shortly thereafter. SRH had planned for his return around this date, targeting the back end of the league stage and possibly the playoffs.

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In his absence, the franchise has leaned on interim captain Ishan Kishan, who has shouldered the leadership responsibilities admirably. SRH’s pace attack has undoubtedly felt the void left by Cummins, who claimed 34 wickets across the previous two IPL seasons.

Cummins himself had expressed optimism before the tournament, stating he aimed to feature in the second half if recovery stayed on track. His potential comeback could provide a significant boost to SRH’s title aspirations.