Born on May 8, 1993, in the vibrant city of Sydney, Pat Cummins has emerged as a cricketing force to be reckoned with. His journey in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been nothing short of remarkable, marked by exceptional performances and, most recently, a record-breaking deal that has left the cricketing world astounded.
Cummins’ IPL journey commenced in 2014, where he donned the jerseys of Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders, making his mark as a bowler of prowess. With 42 games under his belt, Cummins showcased his bowling finesse, bagging an impressive tally of 45 wickets, with a personal best of 4/34.
Cummins is now second-most expensive player in IPL history
In a historic turn of events, Pat Cummins secured the title of the most expensive player in IPL history (later surpassed by Mitchell Starc), sealing a staggering INR 20.5 crore deal with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). This record-breaking deal not only elevated Cummins’ status in the league but also marked the first instance of a player breaching the 20-crore barrier in the IPL auction.
The 2023 IPL auction witnessed a fierce bidding war, with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), and Sunrisers Hyderabad vying for the services of the 2023 World Cup-winning captain. In the end, SRH emerged victorious, making Cummins the focal point of an intense and high-stakes bidding battle.
What sets Cummins apart is his versatility, excelling with both bat and ball. His leadership skills have not gone unnoticed, and it’s these qualities that contributed significantly to the hefty price tag that SRH was willing to pay. Cummins is expected to take on a leadership role within the SRH squad, addressing the team’s need for a captain with his profile.
Breaking the previous record set by Sam Curran in IPL 2023, Cummins surpassed all expectations, solidifying his position as the most expensive IPL player to date. Note that a few hours later, Starc broke Cummins’ record too. Curran had been sold for 18.50 crore, making Cummins’ 20.5 crore deal a true milestone in IPL auction history.
Joining Cummins at SRH is Travis Head, the hero of the 2023 World Cup final, secured for INR 6.8 crore. This dynamic pairing of two Australian cricket stars further strengthens the Australian bond within the SRH team.
Reflecting on Cummins’ cricketing journey, his debut matches across formats showcase his early prowess. From his Test debut against Pakistan in December 2023 to his ODI debut against South Africa in October 2011 and T20I debut against the same opposition a few days earlier, the World Cup 2023 winning skipper has consistently delivered stellar performances across formats.
Statistically, Cummins’ bowling prowess is evident in his impressive records across Tests, ODIs, T20Is, First-class matches, List A matches, and T20s. His ability to take wickets consistently and maintain a low economy rate underscores his impact on the game.
In Test matches, the Australian skipper has been a stalwart, featuring in 56 games and scalping an impressive 242 wickets at an average of 22.85. His best figures of 6/23 and 10/62 in innings and match respectively showcase his ability to dismantle batting line-ups.
In ODIs, he has played 88 matches, securing 141 wickets at an average of 28.66, with a notable best of 5/70. His T20I record is equally impressive, with 55 wickets in 50 matches at an average of 24.54. The red ball or white, Cummins consistently delivers, evident in his remarkable figures in First-class matches (288 wickets at 23.55) and List A matches (180 wickets at 28.37).
Even in the shortest format, T20s, the pacer has claimed 143 wickets in 128 matches at an average of 26.67, demonstrating his adaptability and effectiveness in diverse cricketing arenas.
Cummins played a pivotal role in Australia’s successful 2023 campaign, contributing to the team’s victory in the World Test Championship and delivering a dominant performance in the World Cup final against India. His withdrawal from IPL 2023 with Kolkata Knight Riders was attributed to workload concerns, showcasing his commitment to managing his physical well-being.
Looking ahead, IPL 2024 takes on added significance for him as he prepares for the upcoming World Cup 2024 scheduled in the West Indies and the United States. The strategic decision by SRH to invest heavily in Cummins reflects their intent to bolster both their squad and leadership.
With Australian captain’s inclusion, SRH anticipates a significant impact on their performance in the upcoming IPL season. The excitement surrounding the record-breaking deal and the strategic pairing of Cummins and Head is palpable, building anticipation for SRH’s campaign in IPL 2024. As cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the action on the field, Pat Cummins continues to be a central figure in the ever-evolving narrative of the IPL.
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Top 10 most expensive players in IPL auction
