Sunrisers Hyderabad’s squad is poised to receive a major boost soon, with captain and Australian speedster Pat Cummins expected to link up with the team in the coming days. The timing arrives after SRH managed to steady their IPL 2026 campaign with a commanding performance against the Rajasthan Royals on Monday, a result that ended a period of inconsistency and lifted the side back into contention.
SRH had endured a difficult start, losing three of their opening four matches and struggling to find a reliable rhythm. Their turnaround came against RR, where they defended a target of 217 runs with authority. A key factor in that resurgence was the impact of debutant pacers Sakib Hussain and Praful Hinge, who produced four-wicket hauls to help swing the contest firmly in SRH’s favour.
With Cummins’ return looming, attention has now turned to the fitness process. A report indicates that the Australian fast bowler is set to undergo a fitness test in Australia on Wednesday. If he passes and the franchise remains confident about his readiness, he could become available for selection shortly afterwards. Cummins is expected to return to Hyderabad on April 17.
Speaking on the situation, a source close to the development suggested the expectation is that Cummins will clear the fitness assessment and secure the necessary clearance from Cricket Australia. The 32-year-old has not played a competitive match since the Ashes series at home against England, and he also missed the recently concluded ICC T20 World Cup 2026. That tournament saw Australia bow out in the group stage for the first time.
Cummins had initially arrived in India ahead of the IPL season, but he did not take the field in any matches. After SRH’s thrilling win over Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on Thursday, April 2, he returned to Australia to undergo scans related to a back issue. Now, with the fitness check scheduled, the next chapter for SRH’s bowling attack looks set to begin.
In Cummins’ absence, Ishan Kishan has captained the side. Under his leadership, SRH have won two of five matches in the ongoing season. They currently sit fourth in the points table with four points, accompanied by a net run rate of +0.576.
On the field against RR, SRH’s bowlers delivered a decisive display. Hinge and Hussain, both making their IPL debuts, struck repeatedly, taking four wickets each. RR were restricted to 159 runs in 19 overs while chasing 217, and the reigning challenge was too steep as Rajasthan were dismissed and lost by 57 runs, handing SRH a statement victory on Monday.
