New Delhi, 16 April (H.S.): Australian pace spearhead Pat Cummins has received medical clearance to bowl without restrictions following recent scans in Sydney, paving the way for his eagerly anticipated comeback in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The all-clear confirms his back stress injury—sidelining him to just one professional match since August last year—is now fully healed.
Cummins heads back to India on Friday to rejoin Sunrisers Hyderabad for the remainder of the tournament, partnering compatriot Travis Head. Though SRH face Chennai Super Kings this weekend and Delhi Capitals next Wednesday at home, he plans a measured return, targeting the April 25 clash against Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur.
His reintegration could restore his captaincy, vacated by Ishan Kishan during absence; SRH sits fourth with two victories. This aligns with Cummins' strategy to feature in the IPL's business end and playoffs, priming for Australia's grueling Test slate—potentially 21 matches over 12 months starting August against Bangladesh.
In a recent 'Business of Sport' podcast, Cummins reaffirmed commitment to all formats, prioritizing key Test and ODI series as captain while scheduling 2-3 month breaks for fitness. I still want to play all three formats... Test cricket means the world to me. Hopefully, I can keep going for the next 3-5 years without dropping it, he shared.
Australia's Tests kick off with two in Bangladesh (Darwin, Mackay), followed by three in South Africa, four versus New Zealand at home, five in India (Jan-Feb 2027), the MCG's 150th anniversary Test in March, a likely Lord's World Test Championship final in June, and five-Ashes clashes.
SRH coach Daniel Vettori hailed Cummins' outstanding conditioning after prolonged layoff. Preparing to bowl fully fit is a long, arduous process—he's excelled in strength and conditioning, Vettori noted, underscoring Cummins' resolve to honor his near A$4 million IPL contract.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
