Sunrisers’ New Skipper Cummins Targets Aggressive Campaign Opener Against KKR
As the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) fever grips the nation, the newly-appointed captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Pat Cummins, is setting the tone for what promises to be an electrifying season. Looking ahead to their first game of the tournament, Cummins has expressed his desire to see an aggressive start from his team when they square off against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the iconic Eden Gardens on March 23.
Pat Cummins, speaking on SRH’s X accountA bit of planning to go and then just want to get off to a really good start. T20s are hard. Kolkata’s a good team, but I just want to see a really aggressive start to the season.
The Australian pace spearhead, who has taken over the reins of leadership for SRH, is no stranger to the KKR camp, having previously donned their jersey. His familiarity with the opposition adds a layer of intrigue to what is already shaping up as a blockbuster clash to kick off SRH’s campaign in the IPL 2024 season.
With an eye on a robust opening, Cummins is focused on setting a precedent for the remainder of the tournament. SRH, known for their spirited and competitive cricket over the years, are looking to encapsulate their new captain’s zest and strategic acumen. Cummins’ objective is clear; he aims to forge a strong bond between the players and the coaching staff to extract maximum effort and skill throughout the season.
Pat Cummins, speaking on SRH’s X accountI think we’ve got a great mix. We’ve got a couple more experienced guys like Bhuvi. Obviously, Aiden Markram was captain last year. But we’ve got some exciting young talent. I’m super excited to see guys like Abhishek (Sharma), Umran Malik, these guys I’ve only seen a little bit of but super excited. So, I think fans should be pretty pumped for the season ahead.
The Hyderabad-based franchise boasts a roster which is a balanced blend of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, a household name in Indian cricket and known for his death-bowling prowess, is expected to play a pivotal role in the team’s performance. The squad is also energized by the presence of young guns like all-rounder Abhishek Sharma and speed demon Umran Malik, who’ve shown glimpses of their match-winning abilities.
Cummins’ leadership journey in the IPL with SRH will be closely followed as he marshals his troops to establish a dominant hold right from the get-go. His call for aggression points towards an exciting brand of cricket that the SRH camp aims to display, serving as a thrilling prospect for fans and a clear statement of intent to the rest of the teams in the tournament.
As the countdown to the first ball being bowled at the Eden Gardens begins, the anticipation for a cracker of an opening match intensifies. SRH, under the guidance of their new commander, Pat Cummins, are set to embark on a quest to not only win matches but to do so in a manner that is both fiercely competitive and highly entertaining.
19:30 IST
