Pat Cummins and Ishan Kishan - (Source: AFP)
In a significant development, Sunrisers Hyderabad have received a major boost ahead of IPL 2026 as Pat Cummins has been cleared to travel to India. Notably, the right-arm seamer will reach Bengaluru on Tuesday, March 24.
A report from Cricbuzz stated that Pat Cummins, who is nursing a back injury will join the rest of the SRH squad in Bengaluru on Tuesday as the Men in Orange will lock horns in their season opener against RCB on March 28, which is also a repeat of IPL 2016 final.
Pat Cummins To Still Miss Few Games, Ishan Kishan To Lead
For the unversed, Cummins has been out of action for several months because of his back issue. The 32-year-old failed to recover in time for the league and was officially ruled out for the first few games after Cricket Australia denied him NOC for IPL 2026.
Notably, SRH unveiled Ishan Kishan as their stand-in skipper and despite Cummins' early arrival, the southpaw will lead the team for first few games. Further, Cricbuzz report added that Ishan Kishan will attend the IPL 2026 captains meet on March 25 in Mumbai.
As mentioned above, Cummins will join the squad on Tuesday, but he is not match ready. The right-arm seamer will undergo light training and still it is unclear when will he return to the field and lead the side.
Also Read: SRH Players Who Might Not Play Entire IPL 2026
SRH Get Double Boost With Eshan Malinga's NOC
Not just Pat Cummins, but Sunrisers Hyderabad received another boost in the form of Eshan Malinga. The right-arm seamer cleared his fitness test in Sri Lanka and has been cleared to play for SRH in IPL 2026.
Malinga's approval has come at a time when several players were denied NOC for the IPL 2026 and the Pakistan Super League (PSL 2026). Reportedly, Eshan Malinga, who was signed for INR 1.2 crore, has been granted permission and will be available for selection since the first match of the IPL 2026.
The return of Pat Cummins and Eshan Malinga is great boost for SRH because they have already lost Jack Edwards due to injury and are yet to name a replacement for the seamer.
Cricket Australia Strict With Players For NOC
For the upcoming season, Cricket Australia have been extra-cautious regarding granting NOCs to their players. Notably, Pat Cummins was not the only Australia cricketer awaiting the permission to feature in IPL 2026.
Besides Pat Cummins, RCB's Josh Hazlewood is yet be cleared to play for IPL 2026, which is why he has not joined the defending champions yet. The right-arm seamer will miss the season opening game against SRH on March 28.
Delhi Capitals too have dealt a heavy blow as Mitchell Starc has also not received the official permission to travel to India for IPL 2026.
Also Read: Manish Pandey Snares Screamers As KKR Elevate Fielding Before IPL 2026
