Image Source: ANI
[Saba Sports News] Australia’s fast-bowling duo Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins caused a stir at the IPL 2024 auctions. Starc fetched a record-breaking INR 24.75 crore deal with the Kolkata Knight Riders, while Cummins secured a contract with the Sunrisers Hyderabad for INR 20.5 crore. Despite their altered fortunes, Cummins expressed his surreal feeling about facing his teammate in the IPL 2024 matches.
In a twist of fate, Cummins not only joins SRH but also assumes leadership from Aiden Markram. Interestingly, former SRH stalwart David Warner, who led the team to victory in 2016, shares the Australian connection. However, Starc’s IPL appearances have been sporadic. With the T20 World Cup 2024 on the horizon, both players view the IPL as crucial preparation.
Cummins remarked on the novelty of facing Starc, acknowledging their long-standing partnership and the rarity of competing against each other.
“I will say this: hopefully I don’t have to face Starc because that means our batters have done quite well. It’s funny… it’s one of the beauties of the IPL; I have been playing with Starcy for 15 years, [and] I can’t remember another game where I have played against him. Also it’s going to be weird looking across and seeing him in the other dugout. Yeah, being an opposition captain, seeing how we go about playing him will be an interesting part of tomorrow. But we’re both bowlers, so I am not sure we’ll cross [paths] too much.,” said Cummins as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
Assuming captaincy for SRH raises speculation, given Cummins’ limited experience leading T20 teams. Despite his notable achievements in Test and ODI cricket, T20 leadership presents a fresh challenge. Cummins recognizes the mental demands of the format but believes that the physical toll of bowling four overs is manageable compared to Test cricket.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the IPL, Cummins highlights the tournament’s unique challenges, including frequent matches and travel. However, he remains confident in SRH’s squad depth and emphasizes the importance of adaptability in team selection throughout the season.
“Really excited, good to go. It’s got its challenges. In that you play 14 games in six-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, the travel, obviously a different country, play a new team every few days you have to prepare for… But it’s nothing new, we’ve done it before. Obviously, the game day is most important. That’s what we put most days into. No teams play the same XI for all 14 games. I am sure we’ve got to call on our squad and we’re lucky we’ve got a young, fit squad,” added Cummins.