Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
On Wednesday, March 18, just 10 days before the start of the season, SRH confirmed that Cummins will not feature in the initial fixtures of IPL 2026. Details around his return remain unclear, much like Cummins’ own comments during the build-up, where he said his availability would depend on how his back responds during rehabilitation.
With no clear timeline, SRH have named the left-handed duo of Ishan Kishan as captain and Abhishek Sharma as vice-captain. It is an intriguing call, considering Kishan has played only one season with the franchise and has been preferred over Travis Head, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Abhishek himself.
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Kishan’s appointment also reflects a compelling personal turnaround. After falling out of favour with the Indian team in 2022 and losing his Board of Control for Cricket in India contract in 2023, he has worked his way back. Not a lot of people can do that. But that is perhaps a story for another time.
At this moment, the larger question remains about Cummins and whether SRH can cope without their strike bowler and on-field leader.
PAT CUMMINS’ IMPACT ON SRH
Cummins had an immediate impact after being signed for Rs 20.50 crore, transforming a side that had struggled at the bottom of the table in previous seasons. He brought a high-intensity approach that redefined batting expectations in the league, making totals of 250 and beyond seem achievable.
Under his leadership, SRH reached the IPL final for the first time in six years.
IPL 2025 THAT WENT WRONG
The 2025 season, though, was a struggle. On more balanced pitches, SRH’s aggressive batting approach faltered, and the team lost six of their first eight matches.
With Cummins and head coach Daniel Vettori sticking to their philosophy, SRH struggled to adjust. It was only in the final phase that they showed flexibility, finishing with three consecutive wins. A fourth was denied when their match against Delhi Capitals was washed out.
CUMMINS THE BOWLER
As a bowler, Cummins still delivered a solid campaign, picking up 16 wickets from 14 matches at an economy rate of 9.
His effectiveness in the middle overs stood out, conceding at just 7.6 between overs 7 and 16, helping SRH control games after the powerplay.
He finished as SRH’s leading wicket-taker, and his numbers might have been better with more support.
CUMMINS’ TACTICAL CALLS
There were, however, tactical missteps. Against Lucknow Super Giants, Cummins deployed Abhishek Sharma against Nicholas Pooran, one of the best spin-hitters in the game. The move backfired as LSG chased 191 in just 16 overs.
Persisting with a half-fit Mohammed Shami for nine matches also hurt the side, with the pacer managing only six wickets at an economy of 11.
CAN SRH COPE WITHOUT CUMMINS?
Cummins’ season was a mixed one, but his experience and ability to steady the side remain crucial.
In his absence, SRH will need to identify a lead pacer, with options like Eshan Malinga and Brydon Carse.
For Kishan, this is a big test of leadership. He led Jharkhand to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title, but the IPL is a different challenge.
SRH will hope Cummins returns soon. A prolonged absence could derail their campaign and risk another disappointing season.
– Ends
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
