“This IPL, T20 Has Taken A New Level,” says SRH skipper Pat Cummins after a defeat to CSK

Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins believes that the T20 format has always favored batsmen and that this Indian Premier League has taken that advantage to a “whole new level.” After Sunday’s 78-run defeat to the reigning champion Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk, the Australian shared his views. There have already been six 250+ totals in the IPL 2024, and 200 is no longer a safe total. Only twice in the IPL’s history has 250 been broken before this season.

“This season, T20 has elevated to a whole new level, with a focus constantly on the batting side. At the press conference after the game, Cummins said, “With the way we set up, we had the best chance if we got some really aggressive batters, and that’s the way to win the tournament.”

“To be honest, there aren’t many possibilities for (bowling). The ball doesn’t swing around as it does in Test cricket. Both on the wicket and in the sideways movement department, there is little.

Thus, trying to defend is often the greatest approach to gain a wicket. Batters are improving their hitting and even developing a sense of confidence. It tests your abilities as a bowler. However, it may be game-winning if you have a large total, such as 270–280, and you can bowl at 9.00 and have an effect,” the Australian said.

Examining the cause of the CSK defeat, he conceded that the team still has to improve in their pursuit.

“Difficult to pinpoint. Not much of tonight’s events really happened as planned. Although we’re quite well adapted to chasing, it hasn’t quite taken off yet. Thus, Cummins concluded, “Yes, it is something (we) need to work on.”

“There was undoubtedly dew present; I haven’t seen as much at any other location in the nation. However, we didn’t capitalize on it, and they also bowled well. Dew, however, didn’t really play a big of a role in this match as we would have hoped.” Three of their four defeats have come from close range.

Although their openers have been well, Cummins said that the middle-order has to perform better.

“Whenever the openers have scored, it has been incredible and game-winning. We thought we set up very nicely in a few of the chases,” he analyzed.

Throughout the tournament, some hitters have come through, but it takes two or three individuals to really hurt someone. But, regrettably, we never really got going tonight.

“I am quite pleased with the guys’ approach to it. There weren’t too many careless shots, even tonight.” Regarding the bowlers’ troubles this season, Cummins said it may be because of the drier pitches.

“I haven’t really seen the new white ball making much of a difference. Perhaps since the wickets are drier, there isn’t as much swing as there was before. “It’s a challenging format, and I don’t believe the new ball has much,” he said.