Pat Cummins acknowledged the challenges of IPL, emphasizing that while bowling four overs isn’t physically taxing, the constant travel and preparation for different opponents can be demanding.
The new skipper for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2024, Pat Cummins, acknowledged the unique challenges of the tournament, particularly the extensive travel and the need to adapt to different teams’ styles. Having fetched a record bid of Rs 20.50 crore in the IPL auction, Cummins will be facing the challenge of captaining a T20 team for the first time.
When speaking on the eve before SRH’s first match, Cummins admitted that while he’s accustomed to the rigors of Test cricket, the shorter format presents its own set of mental and physical challenges.
“It’s a format I’ve never captained before. Tomorrow (March 23) is going to be my first game. With a bit of preparation, I’m good to go. It’s got its challenges. You play 14 games in seven weeks, plus finals. I’m used to playing a lot of Test cricket, so four overs isn’t as taxing on your body. But it can be mentally taxing to travel, you’re playing a new team every few days you’ve got to prepare for,” Cummins said.
“But it’s nothing new, we’ve done it before, so obviously the game days are the most important, that’s where we put most of our energies into. No team plays the same XI all 14 games,” he added.
As the reigning ICC Cricketer of the Year 2023, Cummins shoulders the responsibility to lead Sunrisers Hyderabad both as captain and premier bowler alongside Bhuvneshwar Kumar. With a squad comprising a mix of experienced players and promising youngsters, Cummins acknowledged the importance of senior players like Kumar in guiding the team.
Ahead of their IPL opener against Kolkata Knight Riders, Cummins also anticipates a showdown with fellow Aussie pacer Mitchell Starc, highlighting the rarity of such encounters between bowlers. Despite the individual duel, Cummins concluded by emphasizing the collective effort required in T20 cricket, where occasional setbacks are inevitable.
Last Updated on March 22, 2024
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