IPL 2024: Pat Cummins replaces Aiden Markram as SRH skipper
What's the story
Australia's World Cup-winning skipper Pat Cummins will lead the Sunrisers Hyderabad for the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League. The Australian speedster replaces Aiden Markram as SRH's new skipper after they broke the bank to secure him at the 2024 IPL auction. Notably, this will be Cummins's maiden IPL stint as captain. He will play for his third team in the competition.
Context
Why does this story matter?
SRH finished last in IPL 2023, winning only four out of 14 matches under the captaincy of Markram. The Sunrisers have failed to reach the playoffs in the last three seasons, and the management decided to shake things up by making Cummins the new leader. It will also allow Markram to focus on his game as he continues to be a vital player.
Twitter Post
SRH makes the announcement on X
#OrangeArmy! Our new skipper Pat Cummins 🧡#IPL2024 pic.twitter.com/ODNY9pdlEf
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) March 4, 2024
Record
Second-most costliest player in IPL history
SRH scripted history when they dished out Rs. 20.50 crore for Cummins at the 2024 IPL auction. It was the first time in IPL history that a player fetched over Rs. 20 crore. They went all in for his all-round ability and exceptional repertoire. Soon his record was broken by Mitchell Starc, who was roped in by KKR for a whopping Rs. 24.75 crore.
Pat Cummins
Cummins led Australia to multiple ICC titles in 2023
Cummins has grown into the leadership role as Australia's captain last year as he guided them to multiple ICC titles. Under his leadership, the Kangaroos defeated India in the World Test Championship final. Later, his Men in Yellow won the 2023 ODI World Cup in India in the most epic fashion. Considering his laurels, Cummins has been selected as SRH's new leader.
Aiden Markram
A forgettable IPL 2023 for SRH
Sunrisers finished last in IPL 2023 under the leadership of Markram. Things didn't work out for SRH as they could only secure four wins in the entirety of the season. Hence, there were questions about Markram's capability as a captain. Although Markram won back-to-back SA20 titles with the Sunrisers Eastern Cape, the SRH management decided to pass the baton to Cummins.
Stats
Decoding Cummins's IPL numbers
Cummins has featured in 42 IPL matches, claiming 45 wickets. The speedster has scalped a solitary four-wicket haul. He returned with 15 scalps in IPL 2017 for DC. He has hammered 379 runs, smashing three fifties in the competition. Cummins owns the joint second-fastest IPL fifty in 14 balls for KKR against MI. In 130 T20s, he has amassed 145 wickets and 721 runs.