Pat Cummins’ impact on Sunrisers Hyderabad has been impossible to ignore this season, even if his appearances have been limited. The fast-bowling captain has featured in only seven matches so far, having missed the opening stretch due to a lower back injury. When he returned and linked up with SRH mid-season, the franchise was struggling for momentum and sat outside the top four in the points standings. Now that the league stage is complete, Hyderabad are back in the playoffs for the second time in three years—and Cummins has been at the centre of the turnaround, steering the side to five victories in their last seven games.
Cummins’ return sparks SRH’s playoff push
SRH’s climb has coincided with Cummins’ availability, with the captain’s leadership proving to be as valuable as his bowling. His comeback came at a moment when the team needed stability, and Hyderabad have since built form with the league phase now concluded. The outcome: a playoff qualification that has made SRH look far more composed than earlier in the campaign.
Assistant coach James Franklin on the “captain-bowler” mindset
SRH assistant coach James Franklin believes Cummins’ value goes beyond match-day tactics. Speaking ahead of the Eliminator against Rajasthan Royals, Franklin highlighted the qualities Cummins brings as a leader—qualities that resonate not only in the IPL environment but also in international cricket.
- Franklin said Cummins is widely recognised for his leadership traits for both SRH and Australia.
- He added that the captain’s empathy stands out, especially because Cummins is also an active bowler.
- Franklin noted that this “captain who bowls” perspective helps him connect with younger bowlers in the SRH set-up.
Franklin also explained why that empathy matters during crucial phases of matches. The assistant coach argued that Cummins doesn’t view pressure moments from a distance; he understands them from experience at the crease, on the field, and from the top of the mark—where execution has to be precise when the game is swinging.
- Franklin said Cummins understands what bowlers feel at the top of their run-up when the pressure rises.
- He pointed to Cummins’ ability to assess what type of delivery the bowler is likely to attempt and how they aim to execute it.
- According to Franklin, Cummins reads those situations with a clear understanding of what is likely to happen next.
Trust from the younger fast bowlers
In the SRH dressing room, that understanding has translated into confidence—particularly for the younger pace group. Franklin singled out fast-bowling talent such as Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain, describing how they trust Cummins to do more than simply demand performance.
- Franklin said the youngsters believe their captain understands their mindset, not just their workload.
- He described Cummins’ guidance through stressful spells as one of the captain’s key leadership strengths.
Handling knockout pressure: “normalize the game”
With an Eliminator looming, Franklin was asked how Cummins deals with the added intensity that comes with knockout cricket. His answer focused on how the captain keeps the environment steady and predictable, helping players respond without letting pressure disrupt their plans.
Franklin said Cummins “normalizes the game,” and that the squad’s mood remains consistent as a result. That consistency, Franklin suggested, is exactly what SRH will lean on as they prepare for their match-up with Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator.
