As the IPL 2024 season kicks off, all eyes are on the star-studded teams, electrifying matches, and the adrenaline-fueled T20 action. Among the players who have been making headlines is none other than Pat Cummins, the Australian fast bowler and newly appointed captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
Pat Cummins, who led Australia to World Test Championship glory, now finds himself at the helm of SRH. Speaking candidly about the challenges of T20 cricket, he emphasized that the format itself isn’t physically taxing. After all, bowling four overs in a match doesn’t compare to the grueling demands of Test cricket. But there’s a twist—the relentless travel during the IPL season.
In Cummins’ words, “You play 14 games in six to seven weeks, plus the knockout stages. Physically, those four overs aren’t as taxing as a day in whites. However, mentally, it’s a different ball game. The constant travel, adapting to different conditions, and preparing for a variety of opponents—it all takes a toll.”
Pat Cummins talks about the weight of Captaincy
As the second most expensive buy at this year’s IPL auction, Cummins shoulders the dual responsibility of captaincy and bowling prowess. With Bhuvneshwar Kumar as the only other experienced bowler in the SRH lineup, Cummins faces the challenge of leading a team hungry for success. “We have a mix of seasoned players and young talents,” he says. “I’ll be leaning on Bhuvi’s experience, and together, we’ll guide the youngsters.”
Pat Cummins vs Mitchell Starc: A Battle of Titans
Saturday’s clash between SRH and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) is being billed as the Pat Cummins vs. Mitchell Starc showdown. Both Australian pacers have been fierce competitors for years. Cummins quips, “Hopefully, I won’t have to face Starc. It’s the funny beauty of the IPL—players who’ve faced each other for over a decade suddenly find themselves on opposing sides.”
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