Speculations swirl around Australian cricket star Pat Cummins as he emerges as the likely candidate for captaincy with the SunRisers Hyderabad in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Cummins, renowned for his leadership prowess with the Australian national team, is expected to lead the franchise’s charge, according to Cricbuzz.
The anticipated leadership transition comes amid news that Dale Steyn, the esteemed South African pace icon, has opted for a hiatus from coaching duties with the SunRisers Hyderabad for the forthcoming IPL season. Sources from Cricbuzz indicate that Steyn has requested time away from IPL commitments this year, leaving room for a potential return in subsequent seasons, subject to further arrangements.
With Steyn’s absence, the franchise has initiated the search for a new bowling coach, with an official announcement expected imminently. However, Coach Daniel Vettori, tasked with identifying a suitable replacement, has refrained from commenting on potential candidates. Similarly, Dale Steyn has remained elusive, declining to respond to media inquiries regarding his decision.
Pat Cummins, who commanded a staggering Rs 20.5 crore acquisition fee in the last IPL auction, emerges as the frontrunner for the captaincy role within the SunRisers Hyderabad. His illustrious career and esteemed leadership credentials, evidenced by his role as the Australian team captain, position him favorably for the leadership position within the franchise.
Cummins’ association with head coach Daniel Vettori, stemming from their collaboration within the Australian national team, further bolsters his candidacy for the captaincy. While Aiden Markram helmed the team in the previous two IPL seasons, Cummins’ potential appointment signals a shift in leadership dynamics for the franchise.
Despite Cummins’ relatively subdued IPL performance, his stellar achievements on the global stage, including pivotal contributions to Australia’s triumphs in the World Test Championship (WTC) and World Cup, underscore his suitability for the captaincy role. As the SunRisers Hyderabad prepare for the upcoming IPL season, all eyes remain on the impending announcement regarding the team’s leadership direction.