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Pat-Cummins. (Photo by Darrian Traynor-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)

Sunrisers Hyderabad broke the bank to sign Australia skipper Pat Cummins at the IPL Auction 2024. They were having an intense bidding war with Royal Challengers Bangalore and eventually signed the 30-year-old for a record-breaking fee of INR 20.50 crore. Cummins overtook Sam Curran, who was signed in IPL 2023 by Punjab Kings for INR 18.50 crore.

Cummins previously represented Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. He has played 42 matches in the cash-rich league and picked up 45 wickets at an economy of 8.54. Cummins can also play an impactful role with the bat lower down the order. He has a strike rate of 152.21 in the tournament, which is one of the reasons behind franchises showing interest in the cricketer.

Notably, Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians were interested in thim but due to budget restrictions, they had to back out. Later, RCB and SRH got involved and neither of the teams was ready to give up. After the bid crossed INR 20 crore, all the other franchises and delegates applauded as records were shattered.

Notably, Cummins is currently the World Cup-winning skipper in both T20I and ODI formats. He can assist Aiden Markram, who does not have a lot of experience in playing in Indian conditions. Under Markram’s leadership, Hyderabad finished at the bottom of the table and following which, the entire coaching unit was sacked. 

The 2016 champions also signed Travis Head (INR 6.8 crore) and Wanindu Hasaranga (INR 1.5 crore) in the auction. Hence, the franchise is trying to sign multiple proven match-winners in order to compete for the title once again. 

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