The Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) franchise has announced Pat Cummins as their captain for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. This marks Cummins’ first leadership role in the IPL, following his successful captaincy stint with the Australian national team. Under his leadership, Australia secured victories in the World Test Championship and the 2023 ODI World Cup.
A Return to the IPL After a Hiatus
Cummins withdrew from the IPL in 2023 to prioritize international commitments. However, he returned to the auction pool for the 2024 season, creating a bidding war among several teams.
He became the first player in IPL history to receive an opening bid of INR 20 crore (approximately USD 2.4 million), a testament to his immense cricketing value. Ultimately, SRH secured his services with a record bid of INR 20.50 crore (approximately USD 2.47 million).
SRH’s Captaincy Revolving Door
Cummins will be the third captain for SRH in as many seasons. The franchise witnessed a leadership change each year since 2022. Kane Williamson led the team in 2022 but was released before the 2023 season, which saw SRH finish last under Aiden Markram’s captaincy.Â
Markram, despite leading the Sunrisers Eastern Cape franchise to back-to-back titles in the SA20 league, struggled in IPL 2023, scoring only 248 runs with a low strike rate. He remains on the SRH roster for the upcoming season.
Looking Ahead: Can Cummins Steer SRH to Success?
With his proven leadership qualities and exceptional cricketing skills, Pat Cummins brings a new chapter to the Sunrisers Hyderabad franchise. His experience as captain, coupled with his on-field prowess, is expected to play a crucial role in SRH’s quest to improve upon their previous performance.
Fans will be eager to see how he navigates the leadership dynamics and guides the team throughout the upcoming IPL season.
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