Cummins likely to rejoin SRH on April 17

Sunrisers Hyderabad, riding on the fairytale success of two debutant Indian pacers, may have their bowling attack further strengthened, as there is some encouraging news from Pat Cummins' side. Their designated captain, one of the leading fast bowlers in world cricket, could soon be available for their upcoming matches. There is no guarantee as yet, but there is certainly renewed hope.

Cricbuzz understands that Cummins, the captain of Australia, will undergo a fitness test on Wednesday back home, and if he clears it - about which there is an element of optimism in the franchise - there is a chance he could start playing for them. Cummins is expected to be back in Hyderabad on April 17. SRH play their next match on Saturday (April 18) at home.

Before the start of the season, Cummins said he was hoping to play the second half of the IPL if all goes well. "I'm back bowling. I'm bowling basically every third day at the moment. We've mapped out a plan to get me right by the middle of the tournament. So hopefully, if nothing goes wrong, I'll play the back half, plus the final," Cummins was quoted as saying.

He arrived in India on March 27, a day before Sunrisers Hyderabad's first match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and returned to Australia after their second game against Kolkata Knight Riders on April 2. He, in fact, had travelled to Kolkata with the team and left home from there. The latest update is he is set to undergo a fitness test in the next 24 hours.

When contacted for an update on Cummins, a Cricket Australia spokesperson responded saying 'no news'. However, a source in the know confirmed told Cricbuzz, "Hopefully, he will clear the test and get the NOC from Cricket Australia." In the absence of Cummins, Ishan Kishan has been leading the side.

It is a well-known fact that CA has been very strict in issuing NOCs for its fast bowlers. Mitchell Starc (Delhi Capitals) is yet to receive his NOC, while Cameron Green was given a delayed go-ahead to bowl for Kolkata Knight Riders. RCB's Josh Hazlewood, who played against Rajasthan Royals, was a surprise absentee in Sunday's match against Mumbai Indians, and it is understood that his workload is being managed.

On Monday, Sunrisers, thought to be weak in their bowling, discovered a highly capable rookie duo in Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain, who claimed four wickets each on debut against Rajasthan Royals. With the expected return of Cummins and Eshan Malinga already performing well, they could field a formidable fast-bowling attack that could complement the Travishek-powered batting line-up.