May 13, 2025: Australia’s star cricketers Pat Cummins and Travis Head are expected to return to India to rejoin Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) ahead of the IPL 2025 resumption on May 17, according to ESPNcricinfo. The development comes despite SRH being out of playoff contention, highlighting a strong sense of commitment from the Australian duo.
The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League was recently suspended following escalating cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) cleared the air on Monday, confirming the league will resume this Saturday in Bengaluru.
On Tuesday, Cummins and Head were named in Australia’s squad for the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa, which begins June 11. Their inclusion had cast doubt over whether they would return to India, especially since SRH has already been eliminated from the playoff race.
However, reports suggest both players are committed to rejoining their franchise. Cummins’ manager, Neil Maxwell, told News Corp, “Pat has a responsibility as captain of the franchise and is looking at returning.”
Cricket Australia’s Head of National Teams, Ben Oliver, added that the board will support each player’s individual decision regarding participation in the IPL during the next two days.
As of now, there is no confirmation on the return of other overseas SRH players such as Heinrich Klaasen, Eshan Malinga, Kamindu Mendis, and Wiaan Mulder—the latter also being named in South Africa’s WTC final squad.
After finishing runners-up in 2024, SRH has struggled to replicate that form this season. Despite boasting a power-packed batting lineup, the team has faltered, securing just three wins in 11 matches, placing them eighth on the points table.
SRH will wrap up their campaign with three away fixtures:
- May 19 vs Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Lucknow
- May 23 vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Bengaluru
- May 25 vs Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Delhi
Despite their low standings, the return of Cummins and Head offers a morale boost as the franchise looks to finish the season on a positive note.