How Pat Cummins Helped Sunrisers Hyderabad Create a Legacy
27.05.2024: Pat Cummins, the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), has played a pivotal role in shaping the team’s legacy in the Indian Premier League (IPL). His leadership and exceptional performance have been instrumental in establishing SRH as a formidable team in the league.
Cavalier Batting Philosophy
The IPL would have been considerably poorer without SRH’s cavalier batting philosophy. Cummins and his team have showcased a fearless and aggressive approach to batting, which has redefined the way T20 cricket is played. SRH has scored over 250 runs three times, holding the two highest team scores ever in the league.
Pat Cummins’ Leadership
The day before the final against Kolkata Knight Riders, Cummins jested, “My trophy-winning luck would end some day.” In the last 10 months, he has lifted the World Test Championship mace, kissed the urn, and raised the ODI World Cup crown. Despite his prophetic words, Cummins remained dignified in both victory and defeat, maintaining a calm and composed demeanor.
Overcoming Setbacks
Cummins’ journey has been marked by challenges and setbacks. At the age of three, he lost a centimeter of his middle finger in an accident. After a splendid Test debut at 18, injuries kept him out of the game for seven years, missing 64 Test matches. These experiences have instilled in him a sense of equilibrium and resilience.
Performance in the IPL 2024 Final
During the IPL 2024 Final, Cummins watched his team struggle but continued to fight valiantly. He batted with determination, giving the total a semblance of respectability. With the ball, he strived to ignite a rare miracle but ultimately accepted the defeat with grace.
Building a Team Identity
Cummins’ biggest legacy is instilling a strong identity in Sunrisers Hyderabad. Known for their aggressive play, SRH has become a team of firebrands under his leadership. Cummins himself remains calm and collected, rarely losing his temper or engaging in arguments. His leadership style is practical, modest, and compassionate, creating a supportive environment for his players.
A Supportive Environment
Assistant coach Simon Helmot highlighted Cummins’ efficient leadership style, noting that team meetings are short and sharp. Cummins is interested in statistics and uses data to make informed decisions. His approach ensures that roles and tactics are well-defined yet flexible, allowing players to perform at their best.
Embracing Aggression and Flexibility
From the start, Cummins and SRH embraced a plan of full-on aggression. While this approach is not always sustainable, they were willing to take the risks and accept the inevitable defeats along the way. Cummins’ philosophy is simple: enjoy the game, help teammates produce their best, and don’t obsess over results.
Revival of Players
Under Cummins’ leadership, several players have revived their careers. Abhishek Sharma was given the license to go berserk at the top of the order, T Natarajan regained his confidence after returning from injuries, and Rahul Tripathi was encouraged to bat without fear of failure. These left-field tactics have often paid off, demonstrating Cummins’ innovative thinking.
Legacy of Pat Cummins
Although his trophy-winning spree ended, Cummins remains quietly confident and stoic. His leadership has left a lasting impact on Sunrisers Hyderabad, creating a legacy of aggressive, fearless cricket and a supportive team environment. Cummins’ ability to inspire and lead by example ensures that SRH will continue to be a force in the IPL for years to come.