IPL 2025: Just One or Two Players Can Change the Game, Claims Cummins

Synopsis

Pat Cummins, captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad, stresses the importance of one or two players stepping up to secure match victories. Their current position in the IPL 2025 points table reflects a team struggling to perform collectively, though past potential suggests a turnaround is possible.

Key Takeaways

SRH needs key players to step up.
Team currently ranks ninth in IPL 2025.
Calculated aggression is key to batting success.
Support for young talents like Aniket Verma is essential.
Players are encouraged to play to their strengths.

New Delhi, April 25 (NationPress) Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) captain Pat Cummins highlighted the necessity for one or two key batters to deliver match-winning performances. The team has struggled collectively, placing them in ninth position on the IPL 2025 points table.

“It's possible (if SRH possesses the most dangerous batting lineup), but I don’t foresee a day when every player will score runs. However, we believe that with our batting strength, all it takes is one or perhaps two players to excel - and that could be game-changing for us,” he said.

“Each player in our squad has the potential to be a match-winner, so I’d be concerned going up against that lineup because on their best day, they can amass 100 runs in just 30 balls,” Cummins mentioned during an interview on JioStar on Friday.

Even though SRH’s batting has not reached its full aggressive potential, Cummins assured that the batters will be encouraged to revert to the style that previously yielded positive results. “Most of our players are inherently aggressive. In our first match this season, where we scored over 280 runs, what stood out was that it wasn’t reckless play - it was calculated aggression,” he noted.

“We’re fortunate to have such depth that it’s never merely about swinging. Our players are well-equipped to strike at nearly 200, which is what we constantly promote,” he added.

SRH has benefited from recruiting young batter Aniket Verma, who has been hitting sixes effortlessly, while Ishan Kishan has seen a decline in form after a great start to the season.

“To start, I make an effort to understand them - what they look like when they are at their best. They are similar players; both are quite aggressive and like to take the game forward. They have integrated well into the team. These are exactly the type of players we intentionally search for during the auction,” he said.

“We communicate to them the importance of playing to their strengths. We ensure they know we will continue to support them - it may not work every time, and they might not score runs consistently, but that’s perfectly fine,” he stated.

“Verma has truly impressed us during warm-up matches and training. His approach to the game, regardless of the situation, and his eagerness to hit sixes is commendable. He tackles spin well and brings a sense of freedom to his game. Although he’s played only a handful of games so far, he’s been remarkable. His striking has been exceptional,” he concluded.