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IPL 2024: Pat Cummins names ‘scary’ batter he would like to avoid

The Australian is leading Sunrisers Hyderabad in the ongoing season

By Web Desk

May 20, 2024

Pat Cummins during a post match ceremony. — IPL

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) skipper Pat Cummins revealed one batter in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 that he would like to avoid after his side confirmed the qualifier against Kolkata Knight Riders (KRR) in the playoffs.

Cummins named his franchise’ opener, Abhishek Sharma, as the “scary” batter that he would like to avoid as the left-handed batter has been one of the best performers in the ongoing tournament and continues to deliver for his team.

The young opener has amassed 467 runs in just 13 innings this season while maintaining a remarkable strike rate of 209.41. He has also hit 41 sixes, which is the most and four more than second-placed Virat Kohli.

Abhishek scored 66 off just 28 deliveries during the match against Punjab Kings (PBKS) which earned him the Player of the Match award. Cummins praised the left-handed batter after the match, terming him “scary”.

"He [Abhishek] is amazing. I wouldn't want to bowl against him. He's scary. Nitish is a class player, looks mature beyond his age, he is perfect for the top order. Satisfying. I haven't played in finals before. Playing some really good cricket, excited for what's ahead," Cummins said at the post-match presentation.

He also talked about SRH’s campaign as they managed to finish the group stage with 17 points after winning eight matches.

"It's pretty cool, it's awesome. We have won 6 out of 7 here, it has been great. I didn't know many guys coming into this season, but we have played great cricket and had some fun,” Cummins added.

Remember, SRH finished ahead of the Rajasthan Royals despite having the same points since Cummins' side got the edge due to a better net run rate. Royal Challengers Bengaluru finished on the fourth spot after they defeated Chennai Super Kings in a virtual knockout on May 18.

KKR and SRH will have two chances of qualifying for the IPL 2024 final after finishing at the top two of the points table since the loser of Qualifier 1 will take on the winner of Eliminator on May 24.