Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) assistant coach James Franklin has credited captain Pat Cummins for the team's resurgence in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Cummins, who missed the first half of the season due to a lower back injury, has played only seven games but has led SRH to five wins in the final seven matches, securing a playoff berth for the second time in three years.
Cummins' Empathetic Leadership
Franklin highlighted Cummins' unique ability to understand the pressures faced by bowlers, especially the younger ones in the squad. "We all know his wonderful attributes as a leader, not only for SRH but for Australia as well," Franklin said on Tuesday ahead of the Eliminator clash against Rajasthan Royals. "I think, particularly, when you talk about the young bowlers in our team, they have a captain who is also a bowler and he really has that sort of empathetical side to him. Empathy makes Pat a special captain."
Franklin explained that Cummins' empathy stems from his own experience as a world-class fast bowler. "He understands how the bowlers are feeling at the top of their mark when they're under pressure, what ball they're potentially going to bowl, how they're going to try and execute," Franklin said. "He has that understanding and knows what is going to pan out."
Impact on Young Bowlers
The assistant coach noted that Cummins' guidance has been invaluable for young fast bowlers like Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain. "It's wonderful for the youngsters; they know that they've got a captain that truly understands how they're feeling," Franklin said. "Pat's guidance for them through pressure moments is one of his strong traits as a leader."
Handling Knockout Pressure
When asked about how Cummins approaches knockout matches, Franklin emphasized his ability to normalize high-stakes situations. "Pat just normalizes the game and I think the players respond to that wonderfully. The mood within the group is the same. It is incredibly consistent," he said.
SRH will face Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator, with Cummins' leadership once again under the spotlight as the team aims for a deep playoff run.
