Australian World Cup-winning captain Pat Cummins was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2024 auction for 20.50 crores. He was the second-biggest signing after KKR paid a whopping 24.75 crores to rope in Mitchell Starc. Together the two Australian bowlers cost the two franchises nearly 45 crores.
Cummins’s recent form as captain and a player for Australia might have played a huge role in SRH bidding for him. The presence of a certain Daniel Vettori, who is the Assistant Coach of the Australian team might have also influenced the decision of the owners.
SRH and RCB went into a bidding war for Cummins who was finally acquired by SRH. RCB had just over 23 crores in their purse heading into the auction while SRH had over 30 crores and thus won this bidding war. Bangalore had no choice but to back out due to lack of funds.
During a conversation with Jio Cinema after the IPL 2024 auction, Daniel Vettori did not give much away on whether Cummins was seen as a potential leader of the side after his record signing. Aiden Markram led the side in IPL 2022.
“I think it’s obviously a discussion (on Cummins being a leader at SRH). There is lot of cricket to be played between now and the IPL 2024 and Cummins has been so successful for Australia. World Cup winner, he pretty much wins everything he touches. So it will surely be a conversation to have,” SRH head coach Daniel Vettori told JioCinema.
Along with buying Cummins for a record prize, SRH bagged Travis Head for 6.80 Crores, Wanindu Hasaranga for 1.50 crores, and Jaydev Unadkat for 1.60 crores. Hasaranga is seen as a like-for-like replacement for Adil Rashid whom they released ahead of the auction. The addition of Cummins certainly bolsters the pace of attack and also gives them a leadership option for sure.
Pumped To Join SRH For IPL 2024: Pat Cummins
Pat Cummins does not have good T20I numbers taking 55 wickets in 50 T20Is at an average of 24.55. He does not have good numbers in the IPL either having taken just 45 wickets in 42 matches at an average of 30.16 and an economy rate touching close to 10. Despite mediocre numbers, Cummins has managed to attract huge prices. KKR also bought him for a whopping 15.50 crores in the IPL 2019 auction.
“Pumped to be joining SRH for the upcoming IPL season. I’ve heard a lot about the Orange Army, have played in Hyderabad a few times. Can’t wait to get started. Great to see another Aussies, Travis Head, over there as well. I think we’re going to have a lot of fun this season and hopefully, plenty of success,” Cummins said in a video shared by SRH on their official X handle.
Pat Cummins has had a memorable 2023 as captain as he retained the Ashes, won the WTC and the World Cup final against India, and now ended the year as the second-most expensive player in IPL history.
Also Read: IPL 2024 Auction: “Over The Moon” – Travis Head After Joining Sunrisers Hyderabad
