‘I’m back bowling’: Cummins eyes IPL return, backs Ishan Kishan as SRH captain

NEW DELHI: Australia skipper Pat Cummins has offered an encouraging update on his recovery from a back injury, revealing that he is targeting a return midway through the IPL 2026 season while backing Ishan Kishan to lead Sunrisers Hyderabad in his absence.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Speaking on the Business of Sport podcast, Cummins confirmed he has resumed bowling and is progressing steadily under a structured rehabilitation plan. “I’m still recovering from a back injury, but it’s good. I’m back bowling in the nets,” he said, indicating that his return to competitive action is on track.The SRH captain admitted he will miss the initial phase of the tournament but remains optimistic about a timely comeback.

“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,” he added in the episode reportedly shot last week.Cummins outlined a cautious approach to his recovery, revealing he is currently bowling every third day. “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, so hopefully, if nothing goes wrong, I’ll play the back half plus the finals,” he said.

The injury had earlier ruled him out of the T20 World Cup and restricted him to just one Test during the Ashes. Having suffered a minor setback during recovery, Cummins is now focused on ensuring he returns fully fit for the business end of the IPL.

Cummins backs Ishan Kishan as SRH captain

In his absence, Sunrisers Hyderabad have entrusted the captaincy to wicketkeeper-batter Kishan, a move Cummins strongly endorsed. “Ishan’s had a really successful captaincy stint with his local side in the last year or so,” Cummins said, referring to Kishan’s leadership role with Jharkhand.Cummins also highlighted the importance of local players in bridging communication gaps within a diverse squad. “We’ve got quite an experienced bowling group of local guys… I’m definitely leaning on the local guys who do know them well — or even speak the language,” he explained.Sunrisers Hyderabad, who last won the IPL in 2016, will begin their campaign against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Saturday, hoping to stay competitive until their regular captain returns for the decisive phase.