Pat Cummins Praises Eshan Malinga and Sakib Hussain as SRH’s Secret Weapons
A Captain’s Perspective on Tactical Brilliance
In the high-stakes environment of the Indian Premier League, even a world-class fast bowler like Pat Cummins recognizes the value of learning from teammates. As the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) throughout the 2026 campaign, Cummins has been at the helm of a squad defined by its resilience and tactical versatility. However, the Australian quick was quick to divert the spotlight toward two of his most effective weapons this season: Eshan Malinga and Sakib Hussain.
The Rise of Malinga and Sakib
The numbers tell a compelling story. Eshan Malinga has emerged as the spearhead of the SRH attack, claiming 19 wickets across 14 matches. Meanwhile, debutant Sakib Hussain has been a revelation, securing 15 wickets in just 10 appearances. Their combined efforts were perfectly encapsulated in the recent 55-run victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
During that decisive encounter, the pair proved nearly impossible to contain despite the high-scoring nature of the Hyderabad surface. Finishing with combined figures of 8-0-64-3, they maintained an economy rate of 8.00—an extraordinary feat given that SRH had set a massive target of 255 for 4. Their ability to deploy slower balls and mix up variations during the middle and death overs effectively stifled RCB’s chase.
Impact in the Powerplay
A major highlight of their partnership has been their discipline during the powerplay. In the match against RCB, the duo bowled three overs during the initial phase, each claiming a vital wicket to halt the momentum provided by Venkatesh Iyer’s explosive start. According to Cummins, this level of control has been a consistent theme throughout the tournament.
“They’ve been fantastic,” Cummins remarked in the post-match press conference. “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 competition, with his slower balls and he’s mixing up different things, and of course, Sakib there as well—they are a captain’s dream.”
Navigating the Playoff Landscape
The victory over RCB was not just about morale; it was a strategic attempt to climb into the top two positions. While SRH ended the league stage tied on 18 points with RCB and the Gujarat Titans, they ultimately fell short of a top-two finish due to an inferior net run rate. To leapfrog RCB, SRH needed to restrict their opponents to under 166 runs—a target that proved difficult given the batting-friendly conditions.
Cummins acknowledged the challenge of the situation: “It’s a pretty good wicket. I knew a lot of things had to go our way. It got close. I think they were trying to make sure they got to that score, so we threw a few different things at them, but it’s still a big win for our momentum heading into the next phase.”
Looking Ahead to the Eliminator
With the league stage concluded, the focus shifts to the business end of IPL 2026. Royal Challengers Bengaluru will prepare to face the Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 on May 26. Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad look toward the Eliminator on May 27. They await the final confirmation of their opponent, which will be one of the three remaining teams—Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, or Kolkata Knight Riders—currently battling for that final playoff spot.
As SRH prepares for the high-pressure environment of the playoffs, the leadership and tactical maturity displayed by Malinga and Sakib will undoubtedly remain a cornerstone of their strategy. With their captain’s full confidence and a proven ability to execute under pressure, the duo looks set to play a pivotal role in the final chapter of the season.
