AB de Villiers raises concern on Pat Cummins’ fitness ahead of IPL 2026

Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru batter AB de Villiers has raised concerns about Pat Cummins’ fitness ahead of IPL 2026. The South African questioned whether the Australian would be fit after playing in the Ashes for the national team.

Cummins has been ruled out of the opening Ashes Test due to a lingering lower-back injury. Furthermore, Sunrisers Hyderabad have also released Mohammed Shami ahead of IPL 2026 auction and AB said the Orange Army will need some experience in the bowling line-up.

“They’ve kept some of their key players. Big question mark on Pat Cummins. Will he be ready after the Ashes? Will he be fresh and fit? With Shami gone, they will need some experience and firepower with the ball in there. They’ve played some decent cricket but ran out of steam. They’ve kept a decent bulk and no real reason to panic, I believe,” he said on his YouTube channel.

On the other hand, Andre Russell was also released by the Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of the auction. The West Indies all-rounder played for the three-time champions for 11 years but didn’t have a great run in the previous season.

“Huge news was Andre Russell. He has been the main couch for many years. lt seems they want to freshen up the side and shake things up. It will be interesting to see how they get the balance right alongside the spin twins Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy. Get a fast bowler or two in there,” he stated.

Meanwhile, AB also opened up on Lucknow Super Giants’ decision to trade in Mohammad Shami and Arjun Tendulkar from Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians, respectively.

“Nice to have Arjun in the mix. Hopefully, this will be a breakthrough season for him. I think Shami will be a win. Even though he is in the back end of his career, we know he loves the pressure. He can be consistent and bowls wicket to wicket. I think he will be really good at the wicket there. A good signing there I believe. I’m not incredibly excited about the bulk of the team. They’ve got some work to do at the auction. Not bad players but I don’t think it is a tournament-winning retention group. Nothing that makes me feel like they will go all the way so they will have to be smart at the auction,” he said.

IPL 2026 auction is likely to be scheduled on December 15.