Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has predicted that Australian cricketer Pat Cummins will be a highly sought-after player in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 mini-auction, scheduled for December 19 in Dubai.
Pat Cummins’ IPL track record
Cummins, who has previously played six IPL seasons, has proven himself as a valuable asset, accumulating 379 runs and taking 45 wickets in 42 matches. In the 2020 IPL Auction, he emerged as the most expensive buy, securing a substantial deal with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for 15.50 crores. Cummins, having set his base price at Rs 2 crore for the IPL 2024 auction, last featured in the 2022 season, showcasing his all-round capabilities by scoring 63 runs and claiming seven wickets in five games.
Leadership qualities and ‘X Factor’
According to Manjrekar, Cummins’ allure extends beyond his cricketing prowess; he brings an ‘X factor’ that can significantly benefit certain teams. Speaking to Star Sports, the 58-year-old emphasized that Cummins’ leadership skills, highlighted by Australia’s 2023 World Cup triumph, make him an attractive prospect in the auction.
“Pat Cummins would be a great addition on a pitch with where, you know most bowlers struggle. He has got that X factor and out of the box thinking, you know, just something of a wild card,” Manjrekar said.
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Sanjay Manjrekar anticipates franchise interest and potential high price
The commentator further predicted that Cummins might command a high price, with franchises like Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) showing interest in securing his services for the upcoming IPL season.
“A couple of teams looking for leadership, different leadership. SunRisers Hyderabad with Aiden Markram, Punjab Kings with Shikhar Dhawan. So Pat Cummins recent performance as a leader as well could maybe get the attention of a few team owners as well. Unlikely to happen, but can’t rule that out,” the Mangaluru-born cricketer concluded.
As the anticipation builds for the IPL 2024 auction, Cummins emerges as a player with not only cricketing excellence but also leadership qualities that could make a significant impact for the team fortunate enough to acquire him.