In a big blow Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in thickness IPL 2026 season, captain Pat Cummins temporarily left the squad to return Australia. The news shocked fans, especially after SRH’s resurgence in the tournament. While Cummins has been a key figure in the dugout and training sessions, he has been absent from the field this season due to a lingering injury that has plagued his career for nearly a year.
The Australian talisman’s departure comes after a decisive win over SRH Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) April 2. As the team celebrated victory at the Eden Gardens, Cummins was already preparing for a critical medical assessment that could determine the trajectory of his playing career in 2026.
What made Pat Cummins quit IPL 2026 midway and return to Australia?
The main reason for Cummins’ mid-season exit is a persistent lower back injury that first surfaced in July 2025. Since that initial flare, a world-class pacer has been a rare sight in competitive cricket. His only appearance since then was a lone outing for the third time Ash Counter test England In December 2025.
Cummins was initially optimistic about taking the lead Australia in the year T20 World Cup 2026 earlier this year, but a minor setback in his rehab forced him to miss the marquee event. His arrival in the SRH camp for IPL 2026 was seen as a positive sign as he saw him bowling in the nets under the strict ‘Return to Game’ protocol. But he still hasn’t got full permission from her Cricket Australia (CA) managing the intensity of the match.
The current visit home is for a pre-scheduled final back scan, which is being carried out under the direct supervision of Cricket Australia’s medical team. This scan is the final hurdle on his road map to recovery. If the results are clear, Cummins is expected to return India and rejoin the Sunrisers squad by April 17, aiming to make it to the second half of the tournament and the playoffs.
Also READ: IPL 2026: SRH opener Abhishek Sharma pays heavy price for insulting KKR
SRH’s IPL 2026 performance and upcoming games under Ishan Kisha
With the regular captain sidelined, the SRH management entrusted the Indian wicketkeeper Ishan Kishi with the captaincy supported by Abhishek Sharma as vice-captain. Under Kisha’s leadership, the team has shown remarkable resilience.
After a disappointing six wicket loss Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) In the season opener, SRH made a spectacular comeback against KKR. The Orange Army posted a massive 226/8 fueled by aggressive batting. Heinrich Klaasen (52)Abhishek (48), and Head of Travis (46). Their bowling section, led by overseas recruits Eshan Malinga and David PayneBowling for 161, KKR successfully defended.
Upcoming Matches of Sunrisers Hyderabad:
- April 5: He faced Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Hyderabad
- April 11: He faced Punjab Kings (PBKS) at Mullanpur
- April 13: He faced Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Hyderabad
Until Cummins potentially returns for the clash on April 18 Chennai Super KingsKishan will continue to lead what currently looks like one of the most dangerous batting line-ups in the competition. Fans will be sweating over scan results from Australia, hoping their ‘Captain Fantastic’ will be back to lead the business at the end of the season.
