Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have taken a massive step by naming Pat Cummins, the skipper for IPL 2024 edition. Pat Cummins is the ICC World Test Championship (WTC 2021-23) winning captain & ICC ODI WC 2023 captain too. SRH fans would be hoping that the side plays to his potential as the side hasn’t been able to make play-offs after IPL 2020 edition.
SRH have got a lethal pace bowling attack but in the absence of Dale Steyn (*Fast bowling coach), it will be interesting to see how the side fares under James Franklin whose variations were quite hard to pick during his playing days. SRH needs to play fearless brand of cricket as this time all the 10 teams are evenly matched as there is cut-throat competition.
There is a reason for Pat Cummins to be the captain of SRH- AB de Villiers
AB de Villiers was seen speaking on his You Tube channel and stated that the decision to make Pat Cummins as SRH’s skipper may be a tactical one and also said that it was a surprise for most of the people. AB de Villiers though was disappointed to see that the captaincy was snatched away from Aiden Markram even after winning back to back SA20 tournaments. AB de Villiers pointed out that SRH might get an Aussie flavor with the involvement of Daniel Vettori.
“There’s reason for him (Pat Cummins) to be captain in that team, even though it’s a bit of a surprise to most people, a bit of an upset to me perhaps to see Aiden Markram being moved across and sort of just had to make way for Pat Cummins there, even though Aiden Markram has won back-to-back SA20 tournaments,” said AB de Villiers.
“I think he’s a fantastic captain, and they were just getting used to him as captain there at the SRH. So, it is disappointing to me, to him, and to all South African fans, but if it is for the best of the SRH team, then so be it,” he stated.
“It’s quite a surprise, but not a big surprise to me, thinking of the involvement of Daniel Vettori, who was with the Australian team. Also, we might see some involvement with Andrew McDonald. You just see a bit of an Australian flavor coming into that Sunrisers Hyderabad team,” he added.
Steep Road ahead for SRH
SRH franchise had a forgettable IPL 2023 and now once again they have changed the skipper & coaching setup. It would be interesting to see what combination SRH’s management go with as they have the services of Travis Head as well who is in the form of his life and can also roll his arm for the side if needed.
Aiden Markram can focus on his batting but at the same time, it will be interesting to see whether Pat Cummins plays the entire season as the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 is set to commence from 4th June 2024. Cricket Australia’s (CA) chief selector George Bailey would be monitoring the workload of Australian players ahead of T20 WC 2024 which promises to be a thrilling marquee tournament.