Pat Cummins Eyes IPL Return

Image credits: PTI Photo/R Senthil Kumar

Australian Test captain Pat Cummins is eyeing the upcoming Indian Premier League as his comeback platform from an ankle injury and has expressed confidence in regaining full fitness ahead of the World Test Championship final against South Africa starting June 11 at the Lord's. The 31-year-old, who led Australia to their first Border-Gavaskar Trophy win in more than a decade, battled through pain during the final Test against India in Sydney. He was subsequently ruled out of the two-Test series in Sri Lanka and the ongoing Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

Cummins has resumed running and hopes to return to action with his franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad, the last year's IPL runners-up, when the tournament begins on March 22. SRH kick off their campaign at home against Rajasthan Royals on March 23. Cummins believes the IPL will provide an ideal build-up to the WTC final against South Africa, followed by a three-Test series in the Caribbean extending into July. The injury layoff coincided with the birth of his second child -- daughter Edi, and Cummins is utilizing this period to spend quality time with his family and focus on rehabilitation.

Cummins views this enforced break as an opportunity to fully recover ahead of the IPL and the World Test Championship. Australia have faced significant injury setbacks leading up to the Champions Trophy, with several key players missing out. Alongside Cummins, fast bowler Josh Hazlewood and all-rounders Marcus Stoinis and Mitchell Marsh were also ruled out, leaving the squad without some of its most experienced names. The recovery process has been gradual, with Cummins taking a measured approach to ensure he returns in peak condition for the challenges ahead.

The following are the key match schedules for the upcoming tournaments:

• Indian Premier League (IPL) - starts on March 22
• World Test Championship final - starts on June 11 at the Lord's
• Caribbean tour - a three-Test series extending into July

Cummins was initially named in Australia’s preliminary squad for the Champions Trophy but his injury ultimately ruled him out, leading to vice-captain Steven Smith taking over the leadership role for the Champions Trophy campaign.

As Australia prepares to begin their tournament run, Cummins’ recovery remains a crucial focus for the team’s long-term plans. While missing a high-profile event like the Champions Trophy is a setback, the Australian skipper remains optimistic about making a strong return for the IPL, where he is expected to play a key role for his franchise. With Australia eyeing future assignments, including the World Test Championship, Cummins’ fitness will be a major factor in shaping the team’s prospects across formats.

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