Is Pat Cummins playing today in RR vs SRH IPL 2026 clash?

SunRisers Hyderabad's regular captain Pat Cummins is with the team from the start of the IPL 2026. Early in the season, he wasn't fit enough for the matches, as he was recovering from a lumbar bone stress injury in his back. Although he returned to Australia during the ongoing IPL season to confirm his fitness status, he soon joined the team. While Rajasthan Royals (RR) are hosting SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Saturday night, is Pat Cummins returning to the game? 

As the 32-year-old Pat Cummins is the regular captain of the SRH team, if he plays the match, we can most probably know it during the toss. Even before the match, it was expected that Cummins would likely return to the field from the match. At toss, it was confirmed that Cummins finally returned to the game, as he joined the coin toss with the home skipper Riyan Parag.

It is the first match for Cummins in the IPL 2026. At toss, Cummins had the right call, as he won the toss and chose to field first. Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur is hosting its first match of the season, while the Australian star has chosen to bowl first on the fresh pitch.

Can SRH maintain winning streak

Cummins-less SRH had a harsh start in the IPL 2026, while they won one match in their first four games. However, Ishan Kishan-led SRH made a strong comeback by winning their last three games before Cummins' return to the playing squad. SRH are in good position with eight points after seven games, as the franchise are looking to continue their winning streak. 

Pat Cummins playing first match in 2026

It is the first competitive match for Pat Cummins in the ongoing calendar year (2026). The lumbar bone stress injury in his back forced him to miss the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. He further missed out on half of the IPL 2026 before just making a comeback on Saturday night.