Why did Pat Cummins miss SRH vs CSK clash of IPL 2026?
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Pat Cummins is yet to play first match for SRH in IPL 2026
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are clashing with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The SRH vs CSK match is taking place at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Saturday, April 18.
While CSK have won their last two games after losing three matches, SRH have won two out of five games so far. The home side is desperate for another win at home.
If SRH wins today, they will move to the 4th spot in the IPL 2026 points table with six points. On the other hand, CSK are placed in 8th place with four points.
In match 27 of IPL 2026, CSK won the toss and opted to bowl first. Skipper Pat Cummins is absent from SRH’s playing XI in the encounter and the team is being led by their stand-in captain Ishan Kishan. He has not played any match yet in the current edition.
Why did Pat Cummins miss SRH vs CSK clash of IPL 2026?
Pat Cummins was dealing with a lower back (lumbar) stress injury. He first got injured during Australia’s tour of the West Indies in July last year. His last Test match appearance came in The Ashes 2025-26.
He had to leave the series after playing only one match because the injury came back. Due to this, he also missed the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Cummins was not ready to play in the early IPL 2026 matches. In his absence, Ishan Kishan has been leading the team.
The fast bowler was close to full recovery and went to Australia for a final check-up of his back injury. The tests were done by Cricket Australia. After passing the tests, he received a No Objection Certificate (NOC), allowing him to play in the IPL.
He joined the SRH team on April 17 and is likely to play in the second half of the tournament. However, he still needs to regain full match fitness. Since he joined the squad recently, he missed the match against Chennai Super Kings.
Why did Pat Cummins miss the early matches of Indian Premier League 2026?
Cummins is recovering from a lower back (lumbar) stress injury. Even though he has joined the squad, he needs time to regain full match fitness before returning to action.
Who is leading Sunrisers Hyderabad in Cummins’ absence?
In Cummins’ absence, Ishan Kishan has been captaining Sunrisers Hyderabad
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Ishika Aggarwal is a passionate sports writer and lifelong cricket fan who thrives on capturing the moments that make the game unforgettable, from last-over thrillers to record-breaking centuries. Through match analysis, player profiles, and behind-the-scenes stories, she brings fans closer to the heartbeat of cricket.