Cummins and Head facing 'ramifications' in $5 million Aussie cricket drama
Pat Cummins and Travis Head's Sunrisers Hyderabad team have hit rock-bottom in the IPL, slumping to a fourth-consecutive loss to sit dead-last on the ladder. The Aussie cricket stars are being paid $3.7 million and $1.2m respectively in this year's tournament, but haven't been able to lead their team to much glory.
Cummins' side made the final last year, but have their work cut out just to make the playoffs in 2025. The Sunrisers seem to lost their mojo after crashing to a comprehensive seven-wicket loss to Gujarat Titans on Sunday night.
Head only managed eight from five balls while opening the batting as Hyderabad were restricted to 8-152 from their 20 overs. The Aussie batter was superb in the 2024 tournament, but hasn't been able to reach those same lofty heights this year.
Cummins made a late cameo of 22 off nine balls with the bat, and despite respectable bowling figures he couldn't save his team from another defeat. Cummins took 1-26 off 3.4 overs, which was much better compared to previous games in which he's leaked over 10 runs per over. But the Aussie captain conceded the winning runs in just the 17th over, adding more embarrassment to a disastrous start for the Sunrisers.
Speaking after the game, coach Daniel Vettori called for calm. "I don't think Pat has ever panicked in his life and I think I'm pretty similar," said the Kiwi, who also works as Australia's assistant coach. "But we understand the ramifications of losing four in a row and how difficult it makes the season.
"It's tough because obviously you come into the season with high expectations after last year and then a very good start. But we just haven't been near our best in the last four games."
Cummins got danger-man Jos Buttler caught behind for a duck, and only conceded six runs in his first two overs of the power play. But Gujarat captain Shubman Gill was in superb touch, making a controlled 61 not out off 43 to guide his side to victory.
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He was aided by a sparkling 49 off 29 from all-rounder Washington Sundar, as Gujarat reached the total with seven wickets in hand and 20 balls to spare. Cummins didn't get much support from the rest of his attack, which was without the axed Adam Zampa for the second match running.
Zampa was left out of the last game, with Cummins and the Sunrisers' coaching staff appearing to misjudge how much spin would come into the contest. But they went without the Aussie tweaker again on Sunday night in a stunning fall from grace for the white-ball specialist.
Both Rahul chahar and Adam zampa should have played all 5 matches together But why @SunRisers are not playing them together ? Zeeshan is not at all threatening the opposition. You need experience to win matches in IPL
— O'Range FIRE 🔥 Idhi 🚩 (@Sunrisers_Hyd) April 6, 2025
Why not using Rahul Chahar ? I thought him and Adam Zampa will play they have got that completely wrong Pat Cummins batted well and bowled well in the powerplay today
— Manas (@manas0118) April 6, 2025
Changes and strategies are required for better results.We have good spinners. Like Rahul chahar, Adam zampa Let's give them a chance and see if they can help us to win.@SunRisers
— palla (@PallaPawankumar) April 6, 2025
Mohammed Siraj was superb for the Titans, picking up 4-17 in four overs. Siraj, who was dropped from India's team for the ODI Champions Trophy last month, said the break made him work on his bowling.
"At the start (of the break), I could not digest," Siraj said about his axing. "But then I explained to myself that I have so many things planned. It (selection for Champions Trophy) was not to be, but I concentrated on my mindset, my fitness. Enjoying my bowling now."
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