“Pat Cummins is like MS Dhoni” Tom Moody Praises SRH Captain

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) secured a convincing 6-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their IPL 2024 clash, and a big part of the win goes to their captain, Pat Cummins. But it wasn’t just his bowling skills that stole the show; it was his sharp captaincy that left everyone talking.

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Bowling first, SRH surprised everyone with their choice of opening bowler. Instead of the experienced Bhuvneshwar Kumar, a familiar name in the opening role, Cummins opted for the young and aggressive Abhishek Sharma. This bold decision left many scratching their heads, but it turned out to be a masterstroke.

Abhishek Sharma Shines While Chasing 166

The 23-year-old Abhishek Sharma, unleashed by the captain’s faith, went on a rampage, scoring a quickfire 37 runs off just 12 deliveries. This explosive start set the tone for the chase, putting the pressure firmly on CSK from the get-go.

Pat Cummins’ unconventional decision-making drew comparisons to the legendary MS Dhoni. Tom Moody, couldn’t help but sing the SRH captain’s praises. “The one thing I like about Cummins is he is a bit like MS Dhoni,” Moody said. “He is prepared to make a decision that most people don’t think about, but makes you feel like ‘Why didn’t I think about that?’ Like the Abhishek Sharma over.”

Abhishek sambhavam 🔥🤩#SRHvCSK #IPLonJioCinema #TATAIPL pic.twitter.com/rkekTCQOve

— JioCinema (@JioCinema) April 5, 2024

Why Was This Decision So Special?

Moody highlighted the fact that there were seemingly more ‘obvious’ options for the opening bowler. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, a seasoned new-ball bowler, or even the talented Aiden Markram, could have been chosen. But Cummins’ decision to go with Sharma was a gamble that paid off handsomely.

Pat Cummins himself spoke about his thought process after the match. “First thing is always to get the points,” he said, highlighting the importance of winning the match above all else. He also humorously admitted, “Wouldn’t want to be bowling to him (Abhishek) and Trav Head at the top.” This lighthearted comment reveals the trust and confidence he has in his young players.

While Cummins is known for his exceptional bowling skills, his captaincy in this match showcased a different side to his leadership. His willingness to take risks, think outside the box, and back his players’ abilities reminds fans of the legendary MS Dhoni’s ability to surprise and outsmart opponents.

It’s important to acknowledge that SRH’s win wasn’t solely dependent on Sharma’s opening heroics. The bowling attack, featuring Cummins himself along with Bhuvneshwar Kumar, T Natarajan, Shahbaz Ahmed, and Jaydev Unadkat, put in a collective effort, restricting CSK to a manageable total of 165 runs. Markram also played a crucial role in the chase, anchoring the innings with a solid 50 off 36 balls.

This victory propelled SRH to the 5th position in the points table, showcasing their potential as a strong contender. While CSK remains in 3rd place with a better net run rate.

The IPL season is ongoing, and it will be interesting to see if Pat Cummins can continue to surprise opponents with his bold decisions. Will he maintain his faith in young players like Abhishek Sharma? Can he lead SRH to even greater heights? Only time will tell, but one thing is sure: Cummins’ captaincy has injected a dose of excitement into the IPL 2024 season.