Cummins Leads SunRisers Hyderabad to Playoffs but Prioritizes Test Cricket
Pat Cummins, the captain of SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH), has successfully guided his team to the playoffs for the second time in three years. Under his leadership, SRH has transformed its approach to T20 cricket, pushing the entire Indian Premier League (IPL) to adopt a bolder playing style.
As SRH prepares for their final league match against Royal Challengers Bangalore, Cummins has once again emphasized that IPL is not his top focus. He stated that Australian cricket, especially Test matches, will remain his priority over the next 18 months.
In a conversation with ESPNcricinfo at a promotional event, Cummins highlighted that this was the reason he chose to take a longer break to heal from an injury sustained last year. He missed seven games during this IPL season due to a lower back injury. After playing one Test match during the Ashes series, he needed further rest to recover.
Looking ahead, Cummins expressed a strong commitment to playing in all upcoming Test matches. “Nothing has changed for me; my priority is still Australian cricket, specifically Test cricket,” he said. He added that as a Test captain, he never wants to miss any matches and seeks to avail himself for as many games as possible.
But where does the IPL fit into his plans? Cummins mentioned that it aligns well with his holiday breaks, making it a practical choice, although his main focus revolves around international matches.
Fitness and Captaincy Decisions
Cummins has also been mindful of his fitness and workload. Despite being asked to take over as T20 International captain for Australia after Aaron Finch’s retirement, he declined. Instead, Mitchell Marsh was appointed, despite his ongoing injury issues.
Talking about his fitness, Cummins explained that the break was necessary for proper recovery. Now, he feels revitalized and the best he has in several years. “I actually feel really fresh. I haven’t played as much, so physically, I feel great,” he shared. He added that he took a cautious approach during his rehab to avoid further issues with his back, especially with a packed schedule of Tests approaching.
Since returning to the SRH team, Cummins has played a crucial role, consistently providing key wickets and maintaining an impressive economy rate.
SRH is set to face RCB at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on May 22. A significant win by 88 runs or more could give them a slim chance at finishing in the top two this season.
