Big update on Pat Cummins' IPL 2026 return, likely to re-join SRH squad on April 17

Sunrisers Hyderabad's (SRH) will soon be bolstered by the high-profile return of their regular captain Pat Cummins in the ongoing IPL 2026. While a definitive return date has not been set, the presence of one of the world's premier fast bowlers back in the mix has provided a significant boost to the franchise's morale.

Pat Cummins to re-join SRH squad on April 17

According to a Cricbuzz report, Cummins is scheduled to undergo a fitness test in Australia on April 15. If he is cleared to play, an outcome the SRH camp is hopeful for, he is expected to arrive in Hyderabad by April 17, right ahead of their home fixture against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Friday, April 18.

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This potential comeback aligns with the plan Cummins shared before the tournament began, where he expressed his intention to participate in the second half of the IPL season. If his recovery continues on this positive trajectory, his leadership and clinical pace will arrive just in time for the business end of the competition.

Cummins' initial stint with SRH was brief but eventful. He arrived in India on March 27, just a day before the team’s season opener against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and participated in the subsequent clash against Kolkata Knight Riders. Following that second match on April 2, he traveled directly from Kolkata back to Australia. The current focus remains on his recovery, with the fast bowler scheduled to undergo a pivotal fitness test within the next 24 hours to determine his readiness for a return.

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While Cricket Australia remains tight-lipped. The cautious approach is typical for the board, which has been notoriously strict regarding No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for its pace battery. This pattern is evident across the league: Mitchell Starc is still awaiting his clearance for Delhi Capitals, Cameron Green faced a delayed start to his bowling duties for KKR, and Josh Hazlewood was recently rested by RCB to manage his workload.

SRH's dominant win over RR

Despite these uncertainties, SRH’s bowling outlook has brightened significantly. Initially considered a weakness, the attack was transformed on April 13 by the sensational debuts of rookies Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain, who both secured four-wicket hauls to thrash Rajasthan Royals by 57 runs.