Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins has downplayed his extraordinary run as a captain ahead of the highly anticipated IPL 2024 final against Kolkata Knight Riders. Speaking on the eve of the summit clash in Chennai, the Australian pacer reflected on Hyderabad’s remarkable journey to the final and their prospects of clinching the trophy.
In his debut season as the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Cummins has led his team with an impressive display of leadership and skill. The team secured its spot in the final after a commanding win over Sanju Samson’s Rajasthan Royals in the Qualifier. Despite two losses earlier in the season, SRH enters the final as second favorites. Cummins’ substantial experience in leading teams in high-stakes tournaments notably enhances the team’s morale.
Pat Cummins’ leadership pedigree is highly regarded on the international stage. Under his command, Australia triumphed in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023 final along with the ICC ODI World Cup 2022, defeating India in both finals. Taking the reins from Aiden Markram, Cummins has introduced an assertive and unwavering brand of cricket for Hyderabad this season.
However, when questioned about his team’s chances in the final, Cummins displayed a humble stance. He acknowledged that it’s quite unlikely for his streak of title-winning performances to continue indefinitely but expressed his openness to adding another trophy to his collection.
“It would be great to win the title, but the run’s going to stop at some point,” Cummins remarked during the press conference. “It’s been a great couple of years. But bear in mind, this is my first time captaining a T20 cricket team, so I’m not too sure what to expect. The format is fast-paced and present unique challenges.”
A significant element of SRH’s success this season has been the contribution from young players. Cummins specifically pointed out the impressive performances of Nitish Reddy and Abhishek Sharma. These youngsters have single-handedly won crucial matches for the team, highlighting the depth of talent and resilience within the squad.
“It’s been huge.
. We boast quite an experienced bowling lineup, including veterans like Jaydev Unadkat and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. On top of that, numerous young players have stepped up and secured victories for us, such as Nitish Reddy and Abhishek Sharma. We also have players who are not part of the current Indian setup but have been nothing short of extraordinary,” added Cummins, underlining the team’s narrative this season.
Since joining SRH with a high-profile signing of INR 20.50 crore, Cummins has indeed lived up to expectations. He has claimed 17 wickets and made significant contributions with the bat, scoring 112 runs at an impressive strike rate of 147.36. His dual-role impact has been pivotal in SRH’s journey to the final.
Reflecting on his journey and looking forward to the final, Cummins’ balanced perspective showcases his grounded approach to the game. While he remains optimistic about their chances, he’s also realistic about the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket. The IPL 2024 final sets the stage for yet another chapter in what has been a compelling season for both Pat Cummins and Sunrisers Hyderabad.
The grand finale in Chennai is more than just a battle for the coveted IPL trophy. It’s a culmination of hard work, strategies, and individual brilliance seamlessly coming together for both teams. As Cummins prepares to face Kolkata Knight Riders, his leadership will be under the spotlight, with fans and analysts eager to see if his team can overcome the odds one last time this season.
Sunrisers Hyderabad, with their combination of experienced campaigners and emerging talents, have demonstrated resilience and adaptability throughout the season. Cummins’ strategic insights and calm demeanor amid high-pressure situations have been instrumental in the team’s progress, ensuring they are well-poised to challenge KKR in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Although Pat Cummins himself downplays heightened expectations, the anticipation for the final match is palpable. Cricket aficionados globally await this showdown, where strategies, individual performances, and perhaps a bit of luck will determine the new champions of IPL 2024.
