Jaipur: Pat Cummins is set to make his much-anticipated return for Sunrisers Hyderabad ahead of their IPL 2026 clash against Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on April 25.
The Australian skipper confirmed his availability through social media on Friday, sharing images of himself bowling at full intensity and expressing his eagerness to return after a prolonged injury layoff.
Comeback after injury layoff
Cummins has been recovering from a back injury that sidelined him since July last year, forcing him to miss key tournaments including the T20 World Cup. His only appearance during this period came in a single Ashes Test in December.
He had initially joined the SRH squad in late March for their opening fixture but returned to Australia in early April for further medical evaluation. After successfully clearing a fitness test, he is now ready to rejoin the playing XI.
His return is expected to significantly boost both the bowling attack and leadership strength of the Hyderabad-based franchise.
Teammates welcome return
Cummins’ comeback post also drew reactions from teammates, including Travis Head, who added a humorous touch by commenting on the training pictures.
In his absence, Ishan Kishan stepped in as captain, marking his first stint in a leadership role in the IPL. The team managed to stay competitive despite missing their regular skipper.
Sunrisers regain momentum
After a slow start to the season, Sunrisers Hyderabad have staged a strong comeback. The team lost three of their first four matches but has since bounced back with three consecutive victories.
They currently sit in the top four of the points table with eight points and a healthy net run rate of +0.820, positioning themselves as strong contenders for the playoffs.
Key performances boost confidence
SRH head into the match on the back of an impressive 47-run victory over Delhi Capitals, powered by a sensational unbeaten 135 from Abhishek Sharma at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
The team’s batting unit has found rhythm, and Cummins’ return is expected to further strengthen their overall balance.
Royals eye strong response
Rajasthan Royals, led by Riyan Parag, will be looking to counter SRH’s momentum and make the most of home conditions in Jaipur.
With both teams aiming to solidify their positions in the league standings, the clash promises to be a closely contested encounter.
Conclusion
Pat Cummins’ return comes at a crucial juncture for Sunrisers Hyderabad as they look to build on their recent winning streak. With renewed confidence and a strengthened squad, SRH will aim to continue their upward trajectory in IPL 2026.
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