Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins has set his sights on guiding the team to victory in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Speaking to The Hindu, Cummins expressed his determination to finish the IPL campaign on a high note, praising the team’s impressive performances.
“Our opener Abhishek Sharma is the most impressive I have seen. A real talent,” Cummins said. He acknowledged that while early dismissals of openers Travis Head and Sharma in the PowerPlay can put pressure on the team, he emphasized the strength of the batting lineup to cover for any setbacks.
Cummins, who led Australia to victory in the World Test Championship and the 2023 ODI World Cup, said there was little difference in his captaincy style between leading his country and SRH in the IPL. “The hardest thing is to know the players, motivate each one of them. Luckily, it didn’t take very long and they have been pretty welcoming,” he said.
Reflecting on the Impact Player Rule, Cummins expressed mixed feelings. While he acknowledged its potential to add excitement, he also noted the challenges it posed for bowlers. “It is a huge challenge to be a bowler, especially in a T20 format. You have to have plans as batters come hard at you,” he said.
Cummins attributed Australia’s success in World Cups to the confidence of the players, their brand of cricket, and their experience. “They know what it means to win big matches,” he said.
