Pat Cummins Praises Malinga and Sakib as SRH Duo Shine in IPL 2026
A New Chapter for Sunrisers Hyderabad
In the high-octane environment of IPL 2026, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have found a winning formula, and it isn’t just about the explosive batting that has dominated headlines. While Pat Cummins is globally renowned for his formidable fast bowling, he has recently turned his attention toward learning from his teammates, specifically Eshan Malinga and Sakib Hussain. Their partnership has become the backbone of the SRH bowling attack this season.
The Rise of Malinga and Sakib
Eshan Malinga has been nothing short of a revelation, currently standing as SRH’s leading wicket-taker with 19 scalps in 14 matches. Complementing him is debutant Sakib Hussain, who has made an immediate impact by claiming 15 wickets in just 10 outings. Their synergy was on full display during the recent 55-run victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), where they suffocated the opposition’s chase with clever variations and precise control.
Bowling a combined 8 overs for 64 runs and picking up three vital wickets, the duo maintained an economy rate of 8.00. This is a remarkable statistic considering that SRH had set a massive target of 255 for 4, creating batting-friendly conditions that usually favor the chasing team.
Strategic Brilliance in the Powerplay
The duo’s impact is felt most acutely in the powerplay. Against RCB, they bowled three overs during the initial phase, each picking up a wicket to halt the momentum established by Venkatesh Iyer. This control allowed Cummins to rotate his attack effectively, knowing that his two primary bowlers could restrict the flow of runs when the fielding restrictions were in place.
Speaking after the match, Cummins expressed genuine admiration for his teammates. “They’ve been fantastic,” Cummins remarked. “I’ve actually learned a lot off those guys as well, the way Eshan’s bowled all season, particularly in that powerplay, he’s been the form bowler of the comp, with his slower balls and he’s mixing up different things, and of course, Sakib there as well, so captain’s dream.”
