'T20 cricket is different from ODIs and Tests' - Irfan Pathan expresses concern over Pat Cummins' IPL credentials

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has shared his thoughts on Sunrisers Hyderabad and their team combination for IPL 2024, which kickstarts from March 22 with the defending champions Chennai Super Kings taking on Royal Challengers Bangalore at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. 

The Hyderabad-based Sunrisers have announced a changing of the guard as Pat Cummins, their record INR 20.50 crore buy, has replaced Aiden Markram as the captain. While the move has raised eyebrows across the cricketing echelons, not least because Markram has led Sunrisers' sister franchise at the SA20 to two successive titles, Pathan feels that the Cummins punt might just work given the envious success and the rub of the green he has enjoyed over the last year, which includes Australia's momentous World Test Championship triumph as well as the 2023 ODI World Cup title. 

However, Pathan did express a concern over Cummins' economy and overall record in the tournament. Cummins' IPL numbers are mediocre at best, with him amassing 379 runs at an average below 19 in 42 matches, albeit his strike rate is an impressive 152.21. In his stronger suit, Cummins has scalped 45 wickets at an economy of 8.54. Cummins has not been a regular in Australia's T20I setup either and while he has built a robust reputation as a leader with his national side in Test and ODI formats, he has not been given the charge of shortest format, leading to more questions over Sunrisers' decision, which Pathan took note of.

Also read: ‘I think he'll do a great job for Hyderabad’ - Steve Smith confident of Pat Cummins’ captaincy stint at IPL

“Sunrisers Hyderabad taking punt on Pat Cummins momentum which is especially good for him from last two seasons be it ICC 50 overs World Cup and WTC final and the way he is performing at an international level. My doubt is only there as his IPL numbers are not that great eight and half economy in the IPL which is quite high for a premier quality fast bowler, hopefully that can change in once season, so Sunrisers Hyderabad will be hoping he will able to come and lead the side to the victory which they haven’t got it from some time now but I certainly think that T20 cricket is a different form of game compare to 50 overs and Test cricket," Pathan said while speaking on Star Sports Show Game Plan.

Meanwhile, pacer Varun Aaron shared his thoughts on Rajasthan Royals, reckoning that the team is one of the most balanced in this year's tournament. “I think they are one of the most solid and really well balanced team in the IPL, my take would be this IPL should be the coming of age of Riyan Parag because they really invested a lot in him. He has given them returns on and off but the kind of form he was in domestic cricket that’s something which I am really looking out for because the power he has and the hitting ability he possess is almost second to none in Indian cricket. I would love to see him really come of age go bonkers and just take bowlers apart.