Australian fast bowler and World Cup-winning skipper, Pat Cummins, is all ready to return to competitive cricket during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The ace pacer has been recovering from an ankle injury which prevented him from participating in some important matches, but now he is concentrating on returning to top shape.

Injury and Recovery
Cummins got his left ankle injured, necessitating his withdrawal from international cricket. The injury was not of a career-threatening nature but demanded lengthy rest to recover. Cummins commented on his rehabilitation process as follows:

"The ankle is feeling a bit better. It's not a heavy injury, but it needs a while to heal fully. I'm taking things one step at a time to make sure I come back fully fit."In contrast to muscle injuries, an ankle can take time to settle down and coming back prematurely can be problematic.

🚨 CAPTAIN CUMMINS RETURN. 🚨

- Pat Cummins is targeting IPL 2025 to announce his return to cricket. pic.twitter.com/CoPGXN3azD

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 21, 2025

Why IPL 2025?
The season of IPL 2025 (March-May) offers Cummins the ideal ground to get his match fitness. As IPL is a shorter form of match (T20), it gives him an opportunity to try out his fitness and rhythm of bowling prior to international cricket.Cummins will likely captain Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), the team he led during IPL 2024. His leadership qualities and all-round skills make him a vital player for the franchise.

Preparing for Big International Matches
Australia has a crowded international calendar after the IPL. The World Test Championship Final in June 2025 will be followed by the crucial Test series against South Africa and West Indies. Cummins feels that by playing in the IPL, he will get used to playing cricket in preparation for these high-level events."Playing in the IPL will assist me in getting into shape ahead of the WTC Final and other Tests. The competition is fantastic in the tournament, and it's the best way to prepare for a match."

ALSO READ:Watch:Captain Rohitsharma Promo for india vs Pakistan matcH

Sunrisers Hyderabad's Plans
Sunrisers Hyderabad played well in the IPL 2024, making it to the final but not winning the title. With Cummins as captain once more, SRH is looking to take it a step further and lift the trophy in 2025. The team, under the guidance of coach Daniel Vettori, has been performing well, and Cummins' return will make their team stronger.