Exclusive | ‘I don’t really have much to say…’: Pat Cummins opens up on Hardik Pandya getting booed in Hyderabad

SRH's Pat Cummins and MI's Hardik Pandya (Getty Images)
SRH's Pat Cummins and MI's Hardik Pandya (Getty Images)

Highlights:

Pat Cummins-led SRH have won two out of their four games.

Cummins chose not to comment on criticism around Virat Kohli's strike rate.

Under Pat Cummins' captaincy, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have played a few close games so far. In their first home game against five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Mumbai Indians (MI), SRH broke the record for highest total in league’s history. MI skipper Hardik Pandya was left clueless by SRH batters’ big-hitting and was booed by the Hyderabad crowd too. Cummins in a conversation with Sports Tak said that ‘it is a really tricky situation’ but he did not have a comment in Pandya’s support or justifying the fans’ incessant booing. 
 

“I don't really have much to say to be honest. I have not been in that situation. It is a really tricky situation. Fans here in India are super passionate. I am sure it is just a phase. That's about all I have thought,” Australian captain said. 
 

After three consecutive losses, Pandya’s MI beat Rishabh Pant-led Delhi Capitals (DC) in their home clash. This time the 30-year-old was not booed as 18,000 kids to mark the Mumbai Indians' Education and Sports for All (ESA) day.

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Cummins evaded the question on the criticism surrounding Virat Kohli’s strike rate despite him scoring a century in the previous game against Rajasthan Royals (RR). 
 

“I don't have anything to say on that either,” the fast-bowling all-rounder said. 
 

Cummins’ choice for new inclusion in India’s squad T20 World Cup

Ahead of SRH's clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 9, Cummins lauded the young opener Abhishek Sharma who has been in sublime for this season. The left-handed batter has been destructive in the powerplay overs. His strike rate is 217.57. He has scored 134 runs from four innings including a 63-run knock in the run-fest against MI.

 

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When asked about which young Indian cricketer in the ongoing season he expects to see in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and West Indies, Cummins backed Abhishek. 
 

“Maybe Abhishek Sharma is the guy for me. (He plays) top of the order, plays pace bowling but particularly spin bowling really well. He takes the game on,” the 30-year-old. 
 

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