Moody’s remarks came during an interview with ESPNCricinfo, where he highlighted Cummins’ adeptness in decision-making and ability to connect with players from diverse backgrounds.
“Pat would do that seamlessly because that is the ‘bloke’ he is. He is a good person. He would do that naturally because of his natural leadership,” remarked Moody, emphasizing Cummins’ innate ability to foster inclusivity within the team.
Moody underscored Cummins’ tactical acumen, likening it to Dhoni’s penchant for unconventional yet effective strategies. He cited Cummins’ decision to hand the opening over to left-arm spinner Abhishek Sharma in SRH’s recent clash against Chennai Super Kings as an example.
“Tactically, as a captain or not, he has played enough to understand and navigate how to captain in a T20 game. One thing I like about Cummins is that he is like MS Dhoni, he is prepared to make decisions that other people do not think about,” stated Moody, praising Cummins’ strategic boldness.
Reflecting on Cummins’ decision to entrust the crucial opening over to Abhishek Sharma, Moody noted, “It was quite an odd decision considering you had arguably the best new-ball bowler in IPL history and Aiden Markram. There were plenty of ways that he could have started the inning, but he committed to his decision.”
The move paid dividends for SRH, as Abhishek Sharma conceded only seven runs in the opening over, setting the tone for a disciplined bowling performance.
Cummins, who took over the reins of SRH this season, has garnered praise for his leadership skills and performance on the field. Under his captaincy, SRH has displayed resilience and positivity, registering notable victories despite facing formidable opponents.
(With inputs from ANI)