Sunrisers Hyderabad’s bowling unit may soon get a timely boost, with captain Pat Cummins potentially nearing a return to action. While nothing is confirmed yet, there is growing optimism around the Australian quick’s fitness status, which could add further strength to an attack already energised by promising young debutants.
Cummins set for fitness check after reporting back home
As per the latest developments, Cummins—Australia’s captain and SRH’s designated leader—will undergo a fitness assessment on Wednesday in his home country. The franchise is hopeful that he will pass the test, which would open the possibility of him taking the field for Hyderabad in the matches ahead.
- Cummins is scheduled to complete a fitness test on Wednesday.
- If he clears it, there is a chance he could be available to play for SRH.
- He is expected to return to Hyderabad on April 17.
- SRH’s next fixture is on Friday, April 18, at their home venue.
What Cummins said earlier about aiming for the back half of IPL
Before the season began, Cummins had spoken about his intention to participate in the latter phase of the tournament, provided his preparations went to plan. In his remarks, he described how he was bowling frequently during his build-up and outlined a route to being fit around the middle stretch of the competition.
He said: “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 final.”
Timeline of Cummins in India and latest communication
Cummins arrived in India on March 27, one day before SRH’s opening match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He then returned to Australia following SRH’s second game against Kolkata Knight Riders on April 2. Notably, he travelled with the team to Kolkata for that match and left his base from there.
The most recent update indicates that he is due to undergo a fitness test within the next 24 hours. When asked for an update, a Cricket Australia spokesperson replied with “no news.” However, a source close to the situation conveyed a more optimistic view, stating that there is a hope Cummins will clear the procedure and receive the necessary NOC from Cricket Australia.
Who leads SRH in Cummins’ absence and how NOCs are handled
With Cummins not available, Ishan Kishan has been captaining SRH. The situation also highlights how strictly Cricket Australia manages No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for its fast bowlers.
- Ishan Kishan is leading SRH in Cummins’ absence.
- Cricket Australia is known for being strict when issuing NOCs for fast bowlers.
- Mitchell Starc (Delhi Capitals) has not yet received his NOC.
- Cameron Green was granted a delayed clearance to bowl for Kolkata Knight Riders.
Workload management and SRH’s debut success
There has also been attention on other fast-bowling availability concerns across the league. RCB’s Josh Hazlewood, who featured against Rajasthan Royals, was absent from Sunday’s match against Mumbai Indians, and it is understood that the franchise is managing his workload.
Meanwhile, SRH—who were widely viewed as vulnerable in bowling heading into the season—have found an encouraging breakthrough on Monday. They uncovered a highly capable rookie pair in Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain, both of whom made impactful debuts against Rajasthan Royals. Each of them finished the match with four wickets.
Looking ahead: a potential fast-bowling combination for SRH
With Cummins expected back soon and Eshan Malinga already delivering in the bowling unit, SRH could assemble a formidable pace lineup. That prospect would provide a strong complement to their batting group, powered by Travishek.
