Star Australia fast bowler Pat Cummins, aged 30, has been appointed as the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad for the upcoming 2024 season of the IPL, succeeding Aiden Markram at the helm.
The franchise, aiming for a fresh start following a disappointing last-place finish in the previous season, has turned to Cummins to lead the team in a new direction.
According to reports from Cricpulse, Cummins emerged as the top contender for the captaincy role after being acquired for a significant sum of INR 20.50 Cr in the auction.
Despite Markram’s successful leadership with sister franchise Sunrisers Eastern Cape, securing consecutive titles in SA20, the decision for a change in leadership stemmed from SRH’s lackluster campaign in 2023 and Cummins’ remarkable emergence as a leader.
Cummins, credited with guiding Australia to victory in the World Test Championship and the ODI World Cup final against India, brings a wealth of leadership experience to the role.
This marks Cummins’ inaugural captaincy stint in the IPL, having previously represented Kolkata Knight Riders.
Despite modest bowling success, Cummins made headlines by smashing a 14-ball fifty, setting a record for the fastest fifty in IPL history at the time.
He also became the first player to command a bid exceeding INR 20 Cr in the auction, a record swiftly surpassed by KKR’s acquisition of Mitchell Starc for INR 24.75 Cr.
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