Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) skipper Pat Cummins lauded his team’s comprehensive performance in their emphatic 42-run victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, played at Lucknow on Friday.
Although SRH are no longer in playoff contention, Cummins took pride in his side’s spirited fight late in the season.
“Little bit too late this season, but good all-around effort with both bat and ball,” Cummins said after the match.
Ishan Kishan stole the spotlight with a scintillating 94 off 48 balls*, anchoring Hyderabad to a mammoth 231/6. Cummins praised Kishan’s explosive power, noting,
“So much power for someone who’s not as tall as some others. He was incredible today.”
Cummins also appreciated Nitish Reddy’s return as a bowling option, adding more balance to the side:
“Now that Nitish is back bowling, does feel like we’ve a genuine sixth bowler. Abhishek’s always telling me he’s a good option.”
The Australian skipper admitted his side initially misread the pitch, assuming it would favor bowlers.
“Thought it might have been a 170 wicket, and then all the batters came back and said it’s a really good wicket and to keep going,” he admitted.
He reserved special praise for Eshan Malinga, calling the emerging pacer a “find of the season.”
“He’s been great. Wherever you bowl him, he’s taken wickets. He’s got plenty of tools – the fast yorker and the great dipping slower ball,” Cummins remarked.
In the second innings, RCB were bowled out for 189, unable to chase the massive target. Cummins himself led the attack with figures of 3/28, while Malinga chipped in with two wickets and support from the rest of the bowling unit.
With this win, SRH now have 10 points from 13 matches (5 wins, 7 defeats, 1 no-result), sitting eighth on the table. Meanwhile, RCB stay third with 17 points.
While their playoff hopes are over, SRH’s performance was a statement, and under Cummins’ leadership, they’ve unearthed potential future stars as they look ahead to the next season.