IPL 2022: “Shukar Hai Khilaya Pat Cummins Ko”- Ravi Shastri Baffled By KKR Benching Australian Pacer

Ravi Shastri was baffled by Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) decision to bench Australia pacer Pat Cummins for the past few matches and was relieved when he came back into the side against Mumbai Indians recently. Cummins starred with the ball as KKR defeated MI by 52 runs to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Cummins came into the IPL 2022 late as he was touring Pakistan and the Cricket Australia mandated that no contracted Australian player could join the IPL before April 6. This led to him missing the first three games for the KKR side.

The fast bowler made an instant impact on his very first game of the season, smashing a 15-ball 56 to help KKR beat Mumbai Indians. He had also taken two wickets but had been plundered for 49 runs off his four overs.

After playing the next three matches, Cummins was again dropped from the team, only to return once again against MI which led them to a win.

Pata Nahi Kya Kar Raha Tha Bench Par Baith Kar: Ravi Shastri Wonder Why Pat Cummins Was Benched By KKR

Ravi Shastri, while on-air commentating in Hindi for the Star Sports, was confused as to why KKR had not played Cummins despite going on a losing streak before this win.

“Shukar hai khilaya Pat Cummins ko. Pata nahi kya kar raha tha bench par baith kar garam kar raha tha seat 4-5 match se. Aisa player jo number one fast bowler hai world mein, World Cup winner hai, captain hai Australia ka, bench par baitha rahe ho. (Thankfully, they played Pat Cummins. Don’t know what he was doing on the bench, warming the seat for 4-5 matches. A player who is the number one fast bowler in the world, a World Cup winner, captain of Australia, was made to sit on the bench),” Ravi Shastri said on-air while commentating in Hindi during the MI vs KKR clash.

Cummins’ return to the team helped KKR get the better of bottom-placed Mumbai Indians in what was a crucial tie for the Kolkata franchise. The win meant that KKR kept their slim hopes alive of reaching the playoffs.

KKR is currently in seventh place in the IPL points table with 10 points from 12 games.

Also Read: IPL 2022: I Am Inspired By Ajantha Mendis – Maheesh Theekshana