Pat Cummins made a measured return to training as Sunrisers Hyderabad held a session at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday, ahead of their Indian Premier League 2026 opener.

The Australian fast bowler, currently managing fitness concerns, kept his workload light during the session. Cummins began with a gentle warm-up before participating in fielding and catching drills. He later bowled a few deliveries in an empty net, notably using a shortened run-up, indicating a cautious approach to his recovery.

While most of the squad trained at full intensity, Cummins remained under close supervision. Head coach Daniel Vettori and his support staff monitored his progress as he completed a series of controlled sprints, avoiding any heavy exertion.

SRH have arrived in Bengaluru as they gear up for their season opener against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Saturday. However, uncertainty looms over Cummins’ availability for the early matches. The 32-year-old has not featured in competitive cricket since the third Ashes Test in December and was also absent from Australia’s recent T20 World Cup campaign.

In light of his likely absence, SRH have handed interim captaincy duties to Ishan Kishan, with Abhishek Sharma named as vice-captain. Kishan, however, was not present at the training session as he is attending the pre-season IPL captains’ meeting in Mumbai.

Among the overseas recruits, Liam Livingstone, who was signed for ₹13 crore at the auction, spent time in the nets working on his batting. The England all-rounder, who has not played international cricket in the past year, is aiming to regain form ahead of the tournament.

Meanwhile, South African wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen looked in strong touch, unleashing powerful strokes during the session and putting the bowlers under pressure.

With key players working their way back to full fitness and form, Sunrisers Hyderabad appear to be carefully balancing preparation and recovery as they approach the start of their IPL 2026 campaign.