Pat Cummins Credits Daniel Vettori for Choosing Shahbaz Ahmed as Impact Sub

Pat Cummins credited SRH head coach Daniel Vettori for suggesting the introduction of Shahbaz Ahmed as the impact substitute, an important decision in their win in Qualifier 2 against Rajasthan Royals.

In the current IPL season, Sunrisers Hyderabad typically relied on their pace bowlers. However, in a surprising move at Chepauk, Pat Cummins opted for spinners Shahbaz Ahmed and Abhishek Sharma. Shahbaz not only contributed 18 runs with the bat but also secured a crucial three-wicket haul during the middle overs.

Cummins credited coach Daniel Vettori for the decision to introduce Shahbaz as an impact sub, aiming to maximize the left-arm orthodox options. Together with Abhishek, the spin duo ensured a rematch in the IPL final between SRH and Kolkata Knight Riders after defeating Rajasthan Royals by 36 runs.

“That was Vettori’s choice (bringing Shahbaz in), left-arm orthodox and wanted as many left-arm orthodox as possible,” Cummins said after the game.

The SRH skipper then acknowledged the challenge of chasing 170 and praised the team’s exceptional performance throughout the season. Highlighting the invaluable experience within the squad, Cummins expressed gratitude for players like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, T Natarajan, and Jaydev Unadkat.

“The boys have been fantastic all season. There’s a great vibe in the squad as you can see and the final was the goal at the start of the season and we made it,” he said.

“We knew our strength was our batting and we wouldn’t underestimate the experience we have in this squad, it’s a dream having Bhuvi (Bhuvneshwar Kumar), Nattu (T Natarajan) and (Jaydev) Unadkat, makes my job easy,” Cummins added.

Samson’s decision to bowl first saw Sunrisers posting 175/9, fueled by Heinrich Klaasen’s quick 50. Despite Rajasthan’s efforts, the spinners and pacers from Sunrisers controlled the run rate effectively. Rajasthan’s chase faltered, ending at 139/7, resulting in a 36-run loss.

READ ALSO | Rajasthan Royals’ Shimron Hetmyer Fined 10% of Match Fee in IPL 2024 Qualifier

Sunrisers’ win sets up a final match against Kolkata Knight Riders at Chepauk on Sunday, May 26th.

Last Updated on May 25, 2024