Pat Cummins heads home for a final scan, expected to join SRH on April 17

SunRisers Hyderabad's captain, Pat Cummins, has reportedly returned to Australia for a final scan on his injured back, according to ESPNCricinfo on Saturday, April 4. The Australian fast bowler has been sidelined since July last year, missing the T20 World Cup, with his only appearance since then being a solitary Ashes Test in December. His prolonged absence has been a concern for both the national and franchise teams, given his pivotal role in the pace attack and his leadership qualities.

As per the report, Cummins left for home at the conclusion of SRH’s last game against Kolkata Knight Riders in the ongoing IPL season on Thursday. He is now expected to rejoin the SRH camp on April 17, following clearance from



Cricket Australia. The franchise is optimistic that Cummins will regain full fitness and return to lead the bowling unit during the crucial middle phase of the tournament.

Ahead of the 2026 IPL season, Cummins had indicated on a podcast that he was still recovering from the back issue and was likely to miss the early part of the tournament.

"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," Cummins said on the Business of Sports podcast. "We've mapped out a plan to get me right by [the] middle of the tournament.”