The IPL 2024 auction saw franchises engage in intense bidding wars for the top players. One player who attracted massive interest was Australian Test captain Pat Cummins. Sunrisers Hyderabad ultimately bought Cummins for a whopping ₹20.5 crore, making him the second most expensive player in IPL history.
This article analyzes why SRH invested so heavily in Cummins. It assesses his credentials as the world’s premier fast bowler and how his skills can boost SRH’s title chances. The article also explains why Cummins’ price tag is justified based on his leadership, recent achievements, and match-winning potential.
Why did SRH Spend ₹20.5 Crore on Pat Cummins?
Pat Cummins is currently the top-ranked Test bowler and one of the leading pacers across formats. In the past year, he has produced several match-winning performances for Australia. This made him one of the most sought-after players at the IPL auction.
SRH’s key requirement was bolstering their fast bowling ranks alongside Bhuvneshwar Kumar. In Cummins, they saw a golden opportunity to sign the world’s best Test bowler who could form a lethal new ball partnership with Bhuvneshwar.
With his sheer pace, bounce, and accuracy, Cummins provides regular wicket-taking threats with the new ball and in the death overs. He has an exceptional bowling average of 21.59 in Tests and 19.45 in ODIs. Cummins also has extensive IPL experience, having taken 12 wickets in 2020.
His ability to bowl quick yorkers and bouncers in the death overs will be invaluable for SRH. Alongside Bhuvneshwar’s swing bowling and Natarajan’s left-arm angle, Cummins can form a fearsome pace trio. He was the perfect fit to balance SRH’s attack.
Ultimately, SRH was willing to pay the massive price tag because Cummins’ signing plugs a major gap. It gives them a complete bowling unit to complement their powerful batting.
Is Pat Cummins the Best Fast Bowler in the World Currently?
Pat Cummins has a strong claim to being the best fast bowler in the world currently. He tops the ICC Test bowler rankings by a fair margin with 901 points. Cummins is also the 4th ranked ODI bowler.
In Tests, he has taken 245 wickets in 68 matches at an incredible average of 21.59. Cummins consistently clocks speeds above 140 kph and generates sharp bounce from the pitch. He can move the ball both ways to find the edge.
Cummins also has an outstanding strike rate of 47.2 in Tests, reflecting his wicket-taking ability. In the 2021/22 Ashes, he demolished England with 21 wickets in 5 matches at just 18.04.
In ODIs, he has 164 wickets in 87 matches at an average of 19.45. Cummins bowls with excellent accuracy, going at just 4.62 runs per over in his career. His phenomenal economy rate of 3.50 in the 2023 ODI World Cup demonstrated his ability to stifle runs.
Among current fast bowlers, only Kagiso Rabada comes close to matching Cummins’ consistency and skills across formats. But Cummins’ lower bowling average and better economy rate in Tests and ODIs give him the edge.
| Year | Matches | Balls | RUNS | Wickets |
| Total | 42 | 953 | 1357 | 45 |
| 2022 | 5 | 119 | 212 | 7 |
| 2021 | 7 | 161 | 237 | 9 |
| 2020 | 14 | 312 | 409 | 12 |
| 2017 | 12 | 277 | 373 | 15 |
| 2015 | 3 | 60 | 97 | 1 |
| 2014 | 1 | 24 | 29 | 1 |
How Cummins’ Height and Action Make Him a Special Bowler
At 1.92 meters (6’4″), Pat Cummins has the ideal height and build to generate extra pace and bounce from the pitch. He puts his height to good use by hitting the deck hard to extract steep bounce from any surface.
Cummins’ slightly slinging action allows him to bowl with a high-arm motion, utilizing his height perfectly. It also helps him to consistently bowl fast yorkers with a good angle.
Unlike some tall fast bowlers, Cummins has an smooth run-up and action that allows him to maintain control over line and length. The combination of his height and rhythmical action produces optimal results.
Cummins leverages his height beautifully to create a steep bouncer that rises towards the batter’s head. His natural bounce from back of a length often takes the splice of the bat.
Overall, Cummins’ height gives him a major advantage over shorter fast bowlers. It allows him to generate threatening bounce and bowl yorkers more effectively. This makes Cummins a complete all-round fast bowler who can thrive on any surface.
Cummins’ Exceptional Bowling Lengths
A key factor behind Pat Cummins’ success is his ability to bowl testing lengths consistently. He constantly hits the right areas that make scoring difficult for batters.
Cummins specializes in landing the ball on a back of a length on off-stump. This makes the ball rear up towards the batters and takes the outside edge. He also bowls an immaculate Test match line just outside off-stump, inducing edges.
In ODIs, Cummins also utilizes the hard length well by cramping batters on the crease. He rarely bowls too full or short, maintaining pressure through each spell. Cummins’ execution of the perfect Test match line and ODI hard lengths is exemplary.
When needed, he varies his lengths cleverly by slipping in off-cutters and slower balls. Cummins’ control over lengths sets him apart from other fast bowlers who can be erratic. His discipline bolsters his wicket-taking ability.
Cummins’ IPL and Captaincy Record
Although Pat Cummins has played just two full IPL seasons, he has made a strong impact. In the 2020 edition for Kolkata Knight Riders, Cummins snared 12 wickets in 14 matches at a decent economy of 7.86.
He bowled the tough overs upfront and in the death while often being economical. Cummins clocked speeds over 140 kph consistently in that season.
In his limited opportunities as captain so far, Cummins has impressed with his tactical acumen and leadership skills. He led Australia to a 4-0 Ashes thrashing of England on home soil in 2021/22.
Cummins united the team after the turmoil of the previous year. As captain, he has been attacking yet disciplined, and led Australia’s bowling superbly.
Recently, Cummins captained Australia to ODI World Cup glory in 2023 on Indian soil. He will now aim to translate his leadership success into a victorious IPL campaign with SRH.
Justification for Cummins’ Record Price Tag
While ₹20.5 crore is a massive price, Pat Cummins has the credentials and recent performances to justify being the second most expensive IPL buy ever.
Firstly, he is currently the world’s top ranked Test bowler and among the elite across formats. There are no question marks over Cummins’ skills or wicket-taking ability.
Secondly, his value is further enhanced by his leadership of the Australian Test and ODI teams. Cummins has impressed tactically and united his sides.
Thirdly, Cummins recently led Australia to major titles – the Ashes and ODI World Cup. He thrives under pressure and produced match-winning performances in those triumphs.
Finally, good overseas fast bowlers are scarcer than batsmen in the IPL. Cummins provides a rare match-winning package as leader and strike bowler.
Considering these factors, Cummins is well worth the record investment. He can bowl game-changing spells and lift SRH to their second IPL crown.
Conclusion
Pat Cummins’ signing for ₹20.5 crore gives Sunrisers Hyderabad a truly world-class bowler and leader. He adds quality, experience, and versatility to their attack. Cummins is certainly the best Test bowler and among the top across formats currently.
With his blistering pace, bounce, accuracy, and variations, Cummins is a consistent match-winner. His exemplary performances for Australia justify his massive price tag. Alongside Bhuvneshwar and Natarajan, Cummins gives SRH a fearsome pace bowling unit.
His signing could be a defining moment as SRH aim to regain the IPL trophy. If Cummins fires, he can certainly justify being the second most expensive player bought in IPL history this season.