Pat Cummins, the captain of Australia's Test and ODI teams, has returned to Australia for final scans on his injured back, which has kept him out of action since July last year. He missed the opening two matches of the IPL 2026 season with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) but was training with the squad in India prior to his departure. Cummins is expected to undergo a final scan under the supervision of Cricket Australia and hopes to rejoin the SRH squad by April 17 if cleared. In his absence, Ishan Kishan has taken over as captain, leading the team to one win and one loss so far. The Sunrisers desperately need Cummins back, especially with their bowling lineup looking thin, compounded by the injury of Brydon Carse. The team will face the Lucknow Super Giants next on April 5.