As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction approaches, speculation is rife regarding the future of Australian all-rounder Pat Cummins with the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
As captain, he lead SRH brilliantly, and the team narrowly missed out on winning the IPL 2024 title after losing to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the final.
Here are three reasons why SRH may consider releasing Cummins ahead of the auction:
1. Injury concerns
Pat Cummins has faced significant injury challenges recently, which have raised doubts about his fitness and availability. He missed the England tour because of playing continuous cricket after recovering from a wrist injury, which was serious enough to potentially affect his performance on the field. Reports suggest that he was not fully fit during the 2024 T20 World Cup, leading to concerns about his long-term fitness as he prepares for a demanding cricket calendar ahead. Such injuries could make it difficult for SRH to rely on him as a consistent performer in the IPL.
2. Prioritization of Test Cricket
Cummins has expressed a strong commitment to Test cricket, particularly with Australia’s upcoming series against India. He has indicated that he will focus on building his fitness for this critical series and the next year’s Ashes against England, which may limit his availability for the IPL 2025. SRH may find it challenging to justify retaining a player who prioritizes international commitments over franchise responsibilities, especially if they need players who can contribute consistently throughout the IPL season.
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3. Team strategy and budget considerations
With SRH looking to restructure their squad and optimize their budget for the upcoming season, they may consider releasing high-cost players like Cummins (bought for INR 20.25 crore in the IPL 2024 auction) if they believe they can fill his role with younger talent or other players at a lower cost. The franchise may prioritize retaining players who can deliver consistent performances and are available for the entire season, making Cummins’ high salary a potential liability if he cannot commit fully.
The decision to release Cummins will ultimately depend on how the Sunrisers assess their needs and resources as they prepare for the IPL 2025 mega auction.
