Pat Cummins sums up bowlers’ plight, sympathises with them SRH’s 244 chase vs MI: ‘How long do we have?’

Asked whether he feels for bowlers in this run-heavy phase of the IPL, Pat Cummins acknowledged the challenge with a mix of humour and realism.

Updated on: Apr 30, 2026, 11:09:50 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper Pat Cummins was candid about the direction T20 cricket is heading, noting that even totals of around 250 no longer feel safe. With teams in the IPL routinely chasing 200-plus targets with ease, the game has become increasingly tough for bowlers. While the format has always favoured batters, this season has pushed it to another level, with players showing little hesitation in taking the attack to bowlers from the very first ball. SRH themselves chased down a 244-run target against a high-profile Mumbai Indians bowling attack quite comfortably on Wednesday to register a statement win.

Pat Cummins feels the heat of T20 batting carnage. (PTI)

Asked whether he feels for bowlers in this run-heavy phase of the IPL, Cummins acknowledged the challenge with a mix of humour and realism, while pointing out that moments of execution can still make the difference.

"Yeah, I've got a lot. How long do we have? (with a smile on his face) I think I said last game, it's these high-scoring games, there's not a lot in it for the bowlers. But you do feel like, even at the end there, if you nail one really good yorker, it can still be the difference in the match," Cummins said in the post-match press conference

He also highlighted the value of quality bowlers, pointing to the impact they can still have despite the odds, and singled out Eshan Malinga as a key example of how they continue to shape results.

"So bowlers - and really good bowlers - you know, like Eshan (Malinga) in our team, he's a big reason why we've been winning these games as well. I think he's got the purple cap as well. You can still have a huge impact. Everything's going well at the moment, so keep hanging in there," he said.

Also Read - Mumbai Indians get honest about Jasprit Bumrah after pacer bleeds 54 runs, becomes most expensive bowler against SRH

“Glad I am not bowling to Travishek”

Sunrisers Hyderabad chased down the target with eight deliveries to spare, even as Mumbai Indians ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah endured an off day, conceding 54 runs in his four overs and going wicketless.

The SRH praised his batters for their fearless approach and urged them to continue playing in the same positive manner.

"When the pitch is good, they (openers Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head) have so many different shots. Glad I am not bowling to them," he said, adding that the youngsters in the side have a "super aggressive." approach.

"They have a fearless attitude," he added.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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