Pat Cummins' future at SRH doubtful? Indian legend lifts the lid on SRH captain for IPL 2024

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan commented on SunRisers Hyderabad’s bold decision to sign Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins. Irfan Pathan said that SunRisers Hyderabad is likely trying to capitalize on Pat Cummins’ recent successes with the Australian team.

Pat Cummins, now the second-highest-priced player in IPL auction history, was secured by SunRisers Hyderabad for Rs 20.50 crore in the IPL 2024 mini-auction. Additionally, SunRisers Hyderabad appointed him as captain for the upcoming season of the event.

The Australian pacer will succeed Aiden Markram after the team’s last-place finish under his captaincy last season. Cummins lacks significant T20 captaincy experience at any level. Notably, Markram led the Sunrisers Eastern Cape to back-to-back titles in the SA20.

Taking Punt On Pat Cummins Momentum – Irfan Pathan

In a conversation with Star Sports, Irfan Pathan said that SunRisers Hyderabad have taken a punt on Australia captain Pat Cummins’ momentum.

“Sunrisers Hyderabad taking punt on Pat Cummins momentum which is especially good for him from last two seasons be it ICC 50 overs World Cup and WTC final and the way he is performing at an international level,” said Pathan on Star Sports.

Cummins has attained remarkable success as the captain of the Australian Test and ODI teams. He led them to triumphs in the World Test Championship and the ODI World Cup last year. Australia emerged victorious against the Indian cricket team in both finals.

However, the 30-year-old has encountered difficulties in the IPL, securing just 45 wickets in 42 matches with an average of over 30 and an economy rate of 8.54. His last appearance in the tournament was in 2022, representing the Kolkata Knight Riders franchise.

T20 Cricket Is A Different Form Of Game – Irfan Pathan

Irfan Pathan expressed concerns over Cummins’ IPL statistics, particularly his high economy rate, but remains hopeful for improvement. Pathan emphasized the distinct nature of T20 cricket compared to longer formats.

“My doubt is only there as his IPL numbers are not that great eight and half economy in the IPL which is quite high for a premier quality fast bowler, hopefully that can change in one season, so Sunrisers Hyderabad will be hoping he will able to come and lead the side to the victory which they haven’t got it from some time now but I certainly think that T20 cricket is a different form of game compare to 50 overs and test cricket,” Pathan added.

Despite a commendable streak of five consecutive playoff appearances from 2016 to 2020, including a title victory in 2016, SRH has struggled in the last three seasons. In the 2023 IPL, SRH finished at the bottom with only four wins out of 14 group-stage matches.

The Hyderabad team secured signings such as Wanindu Hasaranga and Travis Head. SRH already possessed a formidable overseas roster, including South Africans Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram, and Marco Jansen, along with New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips.

The Hyderabad-based franchise will kick off their IPL 2024 journey against the Kolkata Knight Riders on Saturday, March 23, at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Also read: “When you open tomorrow’s newspaper, you will only see Virat Kohli..”- Irfan Pathan