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regular-article-logo Friday, 17 May 2024

Bowlers on the backfoot, says Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper Pat Cummins

The Australian gave his thoughts following Sunrisers' 78-run loss to defending champions Chennai Super Kings here on Sunday

PTI Chennai Published 30.04.24, 11:10 AM
Pat Cummins

Pat Cummins PTI

The T20 format has always favoured the batters and that has gone to a "whole new level" in this IPL, feels Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper Pat Cummins.

The Australian gave his thoughts following Sunrisers' 78-run loss to defending champions Chennai Super Kings here on Sunday.

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IPL 2024 has witnessed six 250-plus totals already with 200 no more a safe score. Prior to this edition, 250 was only breached twice in the history of IPL.

"T20 is always on the batting side, and it has gone to a whole new level this season. The way we set up, we had the best chance if we got some really aggressive batters, and that's the way to win the tournament," Cummins said at the post-match media conference.

"Frankly, we don't have much (bowling) options. It's not Test cricket, with the ball swinging around. There's not much sideways movement, and there's not much on the wicket either.

"So, a lot of times, the best way to get a wicket is to try and defend. Batters are getting better at hitting the ball out and even getting confident. It challenges you as a bowler. But, if you have a big total like 270-280 and if you can go at 9.00 as a bowler and make an impact, it could be match-winning," said the Australian.

As for the struggles for the bowlers this season, Cummins felt that it could also be possibly due to the wickets being drier. "Haven't really seen too much of a difference with the (new) white ball. It doesn't have as much swing as before, maybe because the wickets are drier. It's a tricky format, and I don't think there's a lot with the new ball," he said.

Analysing the reason for the loss to CSK, Cummins admitted that his side has some work to do while chasing. Of their four losses so far in the tournament, three have come while chasing. Cummins said while their openers have been commendable, middle-order needs to step up.

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