‘On their day they can score 100 in…’ – Pat Cummins backs his batters’ aggression ahead of key game against CSK

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) play a key game in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season on Friday night. SRH (ninth) and CSK (tenth) have played eight games with four points. The loser of the game will become the first side to be eliminated from the campaign. Pat Cummins hasn’t seen his side rise to the occasion this year after their amazing run of form last year, which saw SRH reach the finals. 

Speaking to Jio Hotstar ahead of the game against CSK at Chepauk, the Aussie star seemed to be backing his batters. Hyderabad had begun the season by scoring 286 runs in the game against Rajasthan Royals and have since then faltered. Abhishek Sharma’s 141 off 55 balls against Punjab Kings has been the sole highlight for SRH in an otherwise forgettable campaign. 

Cummins was asked on Jio Hotstar if SRH had the most dangerous batting line-up, to which he said, “Potentially yes, but I think we’re not going to have a day where everyone’s going to score runs. But we feel like with that batting line-up, all it takes is one, maybe two guys to play – and that could be match-winning for us."

Pat Cummins praises Aniket Verma's batting

Hyderabad travel to the Chepauk Stadium on the back of their two losses to Mumbai Indians. Despite the threat of early exit from the tournament, Cummins has backed his batting unit to continue displaying the same aggression they are known for. Cummins said, “They’re all match winners, so I know I’d be worried coming up against that line-up because, you know, on their day, they can score 100 runs in 30-odd balls." 

The SRH skipper also added, “I think most of our players are quite aggressive. In that first game this season where we got 280-odd runs, the thing that stood out to me was it wasn’t reckless – it was calculated aggression. We’re lucky that we’ve got such strength that it’s never just about swinging. Our guys are well suited to striking at close to 200, so that’s what we always encourage."

Pat Cummins also expressed his admiration for the fearless batting shown by young Aniket Verma. The youngster has impressed everyone, including his skipper, with his big hitting skills. Speaking on Jio Hotstar, the Aussie World Cup-winning skipper revealed his admiration for the young batter. 

“He really impressed us in the warm-up matches and in the training. I think just the way he goes out no matter the game situation and tries to hit sixes. And that's what he's done. He takes on spin, and it's just that freedom that he's brought to his game. He's only played a few games as of now, but he's been really impressive. He's striking beautifully," said Pat Cummins about Aniket Verma.