Pat Cummins To Miss Start Of IPL 2026: Abhishek Sharma Likely To Lead SRH vs RCB

Pat Cummins is set to miss the opening matches of IPL 2026, with Abhishek Sharma likely to lead Sunrisers Hyderabad in his absence.

Sunrisers Hyderabad are set to take on defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the opening match of Indian Premier League 2026 on March 28 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. However, ahead of the much-anticipated clash, the Hyderabad franchise has reportedly been dealt a major setback.

According to reports, Australian captain Pat Cummins is likely to miss the initial matches of the tournament. Cummins, who was retained for ₹18 crore and has led the side over the past two seasons, is expected to be unavailable due to fitness concerns.

“No Cummins FOR SRH at the start of IPL 2026. Big breaking waiting for Abhishek Sharma. Pat Cummins likely to miss the first few matches of IPL 2026. India’s T20 opener Abhishek Sharma set to take up the captaincy in Cummins’ absence,” the TOI report stated.

Abhishek Sharma Set To Take Charge

In Cummins’ absence, India’s T20I star Abhishek Sharma is expected to lead SRH in the early stages of the tournament. The young batter, currently ranked among the top T20I players, could get a significant leadership opportunity with the franchise.

If Cummins remains unavailable, SRH may also need to adjust their playing XI, with overseas options like Ehsan Malinga or Brydon Carse likely to step in and fill the gap in the bowling attack.

Pat Cummins’ Recent Injury Concerns

Cummins, regarded as one of the premier fast bowlers in world cricket, last played competitive cricket during the 2025–26 Ashes series. He featured in the third Test at the Adelaide Oval, where he picked up three wickets in each innings.

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However, injury concerns have kept him out of action since then, including the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. His absence in that tournament proved costly for Australia national cricket team, who suffered an early group-stage exit.

Over his IPL career, Cummins has played 72 matches and picked up 79 wickets. In his recent stint with SRH, he claimed 34 wickets in 30 matches, underlining his importance to the team. His absence at the start of IPL 2026 will undoubtedly test SRH’s squad depth as they begin their campaign.