Pat Cummins says IPL participation will be 'guided by my back'

Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins is hopeful regarding his fitness for the IPL starting March 26, yet his participation depends entirely upon his back's recovery. He told AAP that he awaits another scan before attempting a slow build-up, noting T20s are easier to prepare for physically. The Australian skipper missed the T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka and India following a "minor setback" regarding a persistent back injury that has plagued him for seven months, limiting his recent Ashes participation to only a single Test match.

Medical staff prescribed four to eight weeks for the bone to settle down. Consequently, Cummins chose a conservative recovery path to ensure his long-term availability. With a packed eighteen-month schedule awaiting Australia, including an ODI World Cup, an away Ashes series, and massive Test tours, Cummins prioritizes getting right immediately to avoid recurring flares later, rather than rushing back and risking severe further complications.