Australia’s WC-winning skipper Pat Cummins is likely to be one of the hot picks in the IPL 2024 auction set to take place on 19 December in Dubai. Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar highlighted that Cummins’ appeal goes beyond his impressive skills with the ball and bat, and certain IPL teams can benefit from his ‘X factor’.
“Pat Cummins would be a great addition on a pitch with where, you know most bowlers struggle. He has got that X factor and out of the box thinking, you know, just something of a wild card,” Manjrekar said on Star Sports.
Pat Cummins’ stellar stint in IPL
The Australian pacer has had impactful IPL stints over six seasons, having amassed 379 runs and picking 45 wickets in 42 games. After skipping the 2023 season due to a demanding international schedule, Cummins will return to the lucrative league with IPL 2024 auction.
Sanjay Manjrekar also opinied that franchises like Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad, could benefit from Cummins as he can prove to be a good leader.
“A couple of teams looking for leadership, different leadership. SunRisers Hyderabad with Aiden Markram, Punjab Kings with Shikhar Dhawan. So Pat Cummins’s recent performance as a leader as well could maybe get the attention of a few team owners as well. Unlikely to happen, but can’t rule that out,” concluded the former cricketer.
The 30-year-old had a stellar ODI World Cup stint, guiding Australia to their record sixth title in 2023. He contributed significantly to the success of the team with 15 crucial wickets.
The esteemed pacer not only brings his on-field prowess but also offers his proven leadership skills from international cricket. Thus potentially making a valuable impact for teams seeking stability and experience.
