Jaydev Unadkat Backs Pat Cummins Amidst SRH's IPL Struggles

Unadkat's Confidence in Cummins' Leadership

Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], May 3: Despite facing a challenging season in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) bowler Jaydev Unadkat has voiced his unwavering support for captain Pat Cummins. He commended Cummins for his composed nature and clear communication skills, both on and off the pitch.

Currently sitting ninth in the standings with just three victories from ten matches, SRH has struggled to match the success of the previous season, where they reached the IPL 2024 finals but fell to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by eight wickets. Unadkat remains optimistic, noting that Cummins has been a consistent and uplifting presence in the locker room.

“He has been exceptional. This is my second season here, and he is a strategic thinker who fosters a positive environment, which is essential for any leader,” Unadkat stated.

Reflecting on the team's performance shift from last season, where SRH finished second and made a remarkable run to the finals, the left-arm pacer recognized the difficulties in maintaining that momentum this year.

“Last season, we enjoyed a lot of victories, so this year feels different. It has been a challenging season with ups and downs—momentum hasn’t favored us yet. We are striving for it, and that’s all we can do,” he added.

Even though the results have not been favorable, Unadkat praised Cummins for his exemplary leadership and effective communication with the team.

“From a leadership perspective, he has been effective in conveying messages and maintaining clarity. Unfortunately, the momentum hasn’t swung in our favor,” Unadkat remarked.

In the recent match, Gujarat Titans (GT) upheld their perfect record of defending targets exceeding 200 at home. Their 38-run victory over the struggling Sunrisers was propelled by an explosive start from Sudharsan (48) and Gill (76), complemented by Buttler's impressive 64 off 37 balls.

SRH's chase of 225 turned into a disaster as Gujarat's bowlers attacked relentlessly, leaving Hyderabad in a precarious position. Despite their brave efforts, SRH lost wickets frequently, culminating in a 38-run defeat that pushed them closer to elimination.