"I've learned a lot off those guys": Skipper Cummins hails SRH bowling unit after win over RCB
Hyderabad, May 23
Sunrisers Hyderabad thrashed Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their last league-stage match of IPL 2026 here on Friday and SRH skipper Pat Cummins said he is happy with the 'big win'.
During the post-match press conference, Cummins talked about the 55-run win over RCB, his learning from the SRH bowling unit and playing Eliminator at New Chandigarh.
"It was pretty impressive to get to the score that we did. I thought the boys batted fantastically, and it's a good bowling performance. So everyone's hitting their straps. A pretty good wicket, we knew a lot of things had to go our way. It got close. I think they were trying to make sure they got up to that score. So we threw a few different things at them, but it's still a big win," said Cummins.
Cummins, who has been economical throughout the season, leaked 48 runs in the game and remained wicketless. Despite that, he acknowledged his bowling unit's brilliance and especially mentioned Sri Lankan seamer Eshan Malinga and young uncapped Indian fast bowler Sakib Hussain.
"They've been fantastic. I've actually learned a lot off those guys as well. The way Eshan [Malinga] has bowled all season, particularly in that powerplay. He's been the form bowler of the competition, kind of with his slower balls and his mixing up different things. And of course, Sakib [Hussain] there as well. So captain's dream," Cummins said.
Despite this loss, RCB finish at the top of the table with nine wins and five losses, with 18 points. They have sealed the Qualifier One clash with the Gujarat Titans (GT), who are also placed second with 18 points. SRH finished at third with the same points and will be playing the eliminator at New Chandigarh.
The opponent of SRH for the eliminator is yet to be decided, and Cummins looked less concerned for the knockout game.
"It's still 5-6 days away. So yeah, we'll rest up for a couple of days, head up there. And yeah, the guys know the ground pretty well. So get up there. I think we'll know who we're playing in the next day or two," he concluded.
Brief Scores: SRH: 255/4 (Ishan Kishan 79, Abhishek Sharma 56, Rasikh Salam Dar 2/52) beat RCB: 200/4 (Rajat Patidar 56, Venkatesh Iyer 44, Eshan Malinga 2/33).
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, RCB fans must be gutted! Top of the table but then a thumping like this right before playoffs. Venkatesh Iyer played well but 255 was always going to be tough. SRH batting is just scary this season - Ishan Kishan 79 off 45? Abhishek Sharma 56? Wow. Good luck to whoever faces them in the eliminator!
I think people are underestimating how good Eshan Malinga has been this season. 2/33 in a match where 255 was scored? That's excellent bowling. He's like a young Lasith Malinga but with his own variations. And Sakib Hussain - uncapped Indian fast bowler making an impact! Great to see young Indian talent flourishing under Cummins' leadership.
One concern though - Cummins himself went for 48 runs in 4 overs without a wicket. That's expensive by his standards. Hope he bounces back in the eliminator. But credit where it's due, he's been terrific all season and his captaincy has been spot on. SRH looking like strong contenders for the trophy! 💪
As an Aussie watching the IPL, I've got to say Cummins has adapted brilliantly to Indian conditions. His humility in learning from local bowlers like Sakib Hussain is refreshing. That's the kind of cross-cultural learning that makes this league special. SRH vs whoever in the eliminator at New Chandigarh should be a cracker!
RCB fans right now: 😭😭😭
But honestly, 255
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