[Watch] SRH skipper Pat Cummins plays cricket with school kids
SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) captain Pat Cummins played cricket with kids from a government school in the city during his off-time between games of IPL 2024. A video doing the rounds across social media shows the 31-year-old batting against a boy from the school and trying to provide him with catching practice with several other kids watching the proceedings.
SRH acquired Cummins for a whopping ₹20.50 crore during the IPL 2024 auction, the second most expensive in league history. The franchise subsequently appointed him as captain, replacing Aiden Markram.
Cummins has sparked a sensational turnaround in their fortunes, leading them to the playoffs for the first time since 2020. SRH finished at the bottom of the table last season but are currently third with 15 points in 13 outings.
As they look ahead to their final league-stage game, Twitter was filled with a short clip of Cummins winning hearts by playing cricket with school kids as below:
In addition to his astute captaincy, Pat Cummins has also enjoyed success with the ball, picking up 14 wickets at an average of 31.71 and an economy of 9.25.
The champion pacer has been arguably the most successful captain over the last year, leading Australia to the World Test Championship and ODI World Cup title in 2023.
"He has won everything" - Irfan Pathan on Pat Cummins
Former Indian pacer Irfan Pathan lauded Pat Cummins for his outstanding captaincy across formats, including turning things around at SRH. SRH have endured a dismal last few years since a consistent run to the playoffs from 2015 to 2020.
Pathan said on Star Sports:
"A train remains on track if all the bogies move together. Hyderabad's train remained on track because its engine is very solid. Cummins has the experience. He has won everything. He has won the World Cup and the World Test Championship. He won a lot and had an amazing year."
He added:
"They made a massive bid for Pat Cummins in the auction not just as a player. All of us agree that he hasn't set the IPL on fire as a player. He hasn't done that this year as well but as a captain, he has brought stability. Such a team needs stability."
While they have already qualified for the playoffs, SRH still have a chance for a top-two finish.
They will take on the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their league-stage finale at home on Sunday, May 19.