Pat Cummins, the chief of the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) side, got a warm welcome from fans before their game against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Thursday (May 2).
In a video released by the IPL’s official handle on X (previously Twitter), fans screamed with delight after Cummins won the toss. The captain was also quick to thank the audience for their constant support. The 30-year-old decided to bat first against the Royals. At the toss, Cummins said:
“We are gonna have a bat. The crowd is more excited about our batters than bowlers. The games we have won, we batted first. That’s probably our strength. Looks like a good wicket.”
Pat Cummins
Watch the video below:
For the uninitiated, World Cup-winning skipper Cummins has transformed the Sunrisers’ fortunes this season. So far, the Hyderabad-based franchise has won five of its nine games. They ended 10th in the points standings last year, with only four victories in 14 games.
Apart from victories, SRH has scored 250+ runs three times this season. They also hold the greatest totals in tournament history, scoring 287/3 and 277/3 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Mumbai Indians, respectively. In addition, Sunrisers scored 266/7 versus Delhi Capitals.
However, the Orange Army is coming off successive losses to RCB and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), both when pursuing. They will try to regain their winning ways against table toppers RR.
Meanwhile, the Sanju Samson-led RR has only lost one of nine matches this season. They will attempt to extend their four-match winning streak and finish first in the points standings to gain two chances for IPL 2024 qualifying.
“Travis Heads epitomises how we want to play” – Pat Cummins explains his success mantra at SRH in IPL 2024
Pat Cummins has outlined his team’s motto for victory in the IPL 2024. The all-rounder used the example of in-form Travis Head to illustrate how players have been allowed the opportunity to play their natural style. He recently informed the Times of India.
“For us, it was about committing to a style – about how we wanted to play, a style we thought would give us the best chance of winning. And that has been to be really aggressive with the bat.”
Pat Cummins
He continued
“Travis Heads epitomises how we want to play and that is to go and play with freedom. So, don’t overthink it. Don’t overcomplicate it. Just go out, play with freedom. That’s pretty powerful. Plus, we have variety with the ball.”
Pat Cummins