NEW DELHI : Pat Cummins says the high-scoring nature of this season’s Indian Premier League is less a concern and more an opportunity, with the Sunrisers Hyderabad captain relishing the challenge for bowlers.
Flat pitches, short boundaries and the league’s Impact Player rule have fuelled a surge in big totals, with teams regularly chasing down targets in excess of 200.
On Saturday, the Delhi Capitals posted 264-2 — briefly the highest total of the season — only for Punjab Kings to overhaul it with seven balls to spare. Later, Hyderabad chased down 229 with nine balls remaining.
“It’s fine, it’s a good challenge,” Cummins said after making his first appearance of the season following a lumbar stress injury.
“You can have a bad couple of overs, but if you come back and bowl a really good death over, that can be match-winning.
“In some ways, it takes the pressure off bowlers, knowing our batting lineup can chase whatever target.”
Cummins said that in high-scoring matches, a single wicket or tight over could be just as decisive as a sustained spell in lower-scoring contests.
The Australian also praised teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who struck a blistering 36-ball century, including a six off the first ball he faced from Cummins.
“I think he’s my new favourite player,” Cummins said. “He hits the ball so hard. You’ve got to be right on the money as a bowler.”
Despite the soaring scores, Cummins said Hyderabad’s overall approach remains unchanged.
“We set up our team to go big with the bat, and as bowlers it’s up to us to minimise runs,” he said. “The scores look different, but the concept is still the same.”
Hyderabad climbed to third in the standings, behind leaders Punjab Kings and defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
