SRH vs RCB: Pat Cummins backs team’s high-risk approach

Following a 35-run defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2024, Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins stood by his team’s aggressive cricketing strategy. Despite the loss, he maintained that their bold approach suits their strengths.

The match did not start favorably for SRH as their dynamic openers, Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, were dismissed early, restricting their usual explosive start. The middle order faltered under pressure, allowing RCB’s bowlers to dominate the game.

Reflecting on the match, Cummins underscored the inherent risks and rewards of their strategy, stating, “Not an ideal night. Few over par with the ball and unfortunately lost a few wickets throughout our innings. I think it’s our strong suit (attacking style of cricket). It’s not going to work every game. One or two games where it hasn’t gone our way at the start, we still managed to get a good total. Still think this is the way forward for our boys.”

Cummins continued, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket and the team’s overall performance this season, “The boys have been going really well, it’s T20 cricket, you are not going to win every game. Don’t dwell on this too much. I speak after wins, Dan (Vettori) speaks after losses.”

He also expressed a preference for batting first, which has been a successful strategy for them in setting formidable targets, “We were gonna bat first, it seems to be working for us. Before the last few wins, we were thinking that we were a bowl-first team. Didn’t go our way.”

Sunrisers Hyderabad, despite this setback, are looking to bounce back in their next match against Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk on Sunday.