Pat Cummins to arrive in India ahead of season opener:SRH stand-in skipper Ishan Kishan to attend captain’s meet

Pat Cummins is set to arrive in India ahead of the IPL 2026 opener, in a positive update for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) fans. This thus clears the uncertainty around Cummins’ availability amidst his recovery from a back injury. The development around Cummins eases a bit of pressure on the Sunrisers, who have also lost new recruit Jack Edwards due to a foot injury. Pat Cummins to arrive in Bengaluru on 24 March According to Cricbuzz, the Australian all-rounder is set to arrive in Bengaluru on 24 March. Although Cummins, SRH’s regular captain, is expected to subsequently link up with the team, it is unclear as to when he will be available to play. However, Ishan Kishan, who was appointed as Sunrisers Hyderabad’s stand-in captain for the first few games, will attend the captains’ meet in Bengaluru ahead of the IPL 2026 opener. The captains’ day meet is set to be held on 25 March in Bengaluru. Delhi Capitals await Mitchell Starc NOC While Cummins looks close to being available for selection, there’s still a bit of uncertainty over Mitchell Starc’s availability. The left-arm pacer, signed by the Delhi Capitals for ₹11.75 crore at the mega auction before last season, has not joined the team yet and it was reported that his workload was being managed by Cricket Australia. Delhi Capitals head coach Hemang Badani shared that the franchise is still awaiting a NOC (No Objection Certificate) for Starc. “We are in constant touch with Cricket Australia. He has been bowling; he had bowled a few days back. Unless Cricket Australia signs off on him that he is fit to play, there is little a franchise can do,” Badani said. “We are waiting to get the NOC from Cricket Australia. Once we get that, we will know when he will join us, he added.
DC’s Director of Cricket Venugopal Rao also offered a positive outlook on Starc’s eventual arrival. “Starc is coming. Only waiting for the clearance from Cricket Australia,” he said.