Aakash Chopra has named SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) captain Pat Cummins as the greatest captain in the IPL 2024. He admits that the Australian Test and ODI captain proved him wrong with his leadership abilities in the current season of the coveted league.
Sunrisers Hyderabad emerged victorious over the Punjab Kings (PBKS) by securing a thrilling fourwicket win in their final league showdown in the vibrant city of Hyderabad on a delightful Sunday May 19. This impressive triumph combined with the unforeseen abandonment of the evening match between the Rajasthan Royals (RR) and the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Guwahati solidified SRHs place in Qualifier 1.
Aakash Chopra was invited to choose the greatest captain for the IPL 2024 in a video posted on his YouTube account.
“It is difficult for me to go beyond Pat Cummins. I put my hand up and say that I wasn’t convinced. I am saying he is the best captain because the bowling resources weren’t that good. This team has conceded runs. However, the way he has marshaled his resources and the calmness with which he has spoken.”
“There are a few examples. He reached the Chinnaswamy ground and he was asked how many runs. He said 300 and SRH made 287 that night. So they came so close. Then in yesterday’s post-match presentation, Harsha (Bhogle) told him about the rain in Guwahati. He said – ‘That’s too bad’. He is genuine and is saying what he is thinking.”
Aakash Chopra
SRH purchased Cummins for ₹20.50 crore at the IPL 2024 auction. They then made him captain, a decision that has paid off handsomely for last season’s bottom-placed squad.
“The biggest difference is the philosophy” – Aakash Chopra on SRH’s IPL 2024 Revival
Aakash Chopra was also questioned about the cause behind SunRisers Hyderabad’s comeback in IPL 2024.
“The biggest difference is the philosophy. It’s easy to say that you can go and continuously hit but it doesn’t happen because there is the danger of getting out in that. It’s a high-risk game. You always need a lot of investment of faith from the team management when you play a high-risk game.”
Aakash Chopra
The acclaimed analyst attributed the team’s success to the Australian attitude of Pat Cummins, Travis Head, and Daniel Vettori.
“The batting philosophy this team has made this time says you shouldn’t turn back and see and that there is just aggression on our minds. They might get stuck someday, get bowled out for 125, but they go with the thought of brushing that aside whenever that happens.”
“So the biggest change has been the philosophy, the Australian style of playing – Pat Cummins, Travis Head, and Daniel Vettori, who has an Australian connection, being their coach and all. They have just gelled very well together.”
Aakash Chopra
Chopra mentioned Virender Sehwag’s success as India’s Test opener to back up his case. He mentioned that Sourav Ganguly offered him the freedom to express himself at the top of the hierarchy without worrying about the consequences if he failed.