Pat Cummins Returns to Australia for Final Back Injury Assessment Ahead of IPL's Second Phase

Pat Cummins Heads Home for Injury Check

Hyderabad: The captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad, Pat Cummins, has returned to Australia to undergo a final medical evaluation on his back injury, conducted by Cricket Australia's medical team. This assessment is crucial for determining his eligibility to participate in the upcoming second phase of the Indian Premier League.

As reported by ESPN Cricinfo, Cummins has been sidelined since July 2025, with only one appearance in the Ashes series during that time. He departed the IPL 2026 camp following SRH's last match against Kolkata Knight Riders in Kolkata on Thursday.

If cleared by Cricket Australia, Cummins is anticipated to rejoin his team on April 17, according to the report.

It is noteworthy that Cummins has been practicing bowling at the SRH training facilities as part of his Return to Play protocol.

Both Cummins and Cricket Australia have expressed confidence that he will be ready for the latter part of the tournament. In his absence, Ishan Kishan has taken over the captaincy duties.

Prior to his departure from Australia, Cummins shared on the Business of Sports podcast, "I’m still recovering from a back injury, but it’s good. I’m back bowling in the nets."

"The IPL is starting soon. I won’t make the start of that, but it shouldn’t be too long before I’m back out there playing. I’m back bowling. I’m bowling basically every third day at the moment."

"We’ve mapped out a plan to get me right by the middle of the tournament."

Eshan Malinga and David Payne have been stepping in as the overseas pacers for SRH.

This Sunday afternoon, SRH is set to face off against Lucknow Super Giants at their home ground.