Former Australia fast bowler Jason Gillespie has expressed skepticism regarding Pat Cummins’ hefty Indian Premier League (IPL) price tag, suggesting that T20I cricket might not be the optimal format for the fast bowler.
Gillespie, while supporting Mitchell Starc’s impressive Rs 24.75 crore deal, emphasized that he sees Cummins as more of a Test bowler, considering Test cricket as his primary strength.
Gillespie, speaking on SEN Radio, acknowledged Cummins as a top-quality bowler and leader but questioned if T20 is his ideal format. Despite Cummins’ success in the IPL auction, securing the second-highest paycheck at Rs 20.50 crore with Sunrisers Hyderabad, Gillespie believes Test cricket is Cummins’ forte.
“Pat is undoubtedly a top-quality bowler and leader, as we’ve seen. I just don’t believe that T20 is his optimal format,” Gillespie told SEN Radio.
“I think he’s a Test bowler, personally. I think Test cricket is his absolute bread and butter. He’s a good T20 bowler, make no mistake. But that’s massive overs for me,” he added.
Cummins had previously attracted substantial sums in the IPL auction, with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) investing Rs 15.5 crore for his services in the 2020 edition. Gillespie recognized Cummins as a good T20 bowler but expressed reservations about the significant investment.
In a surprising turn, Mitchell Starc surpassed Cummins’ record deal just over an hour later, becoming the most expensive player in IPL history with KKR investing Rs 24.75 crores for the left-arm pacer.
Despite Starc’s limited IPL appearances due to prioritizing international commitments, his exceptional performance in the league, claiming 34 wickets in 27 matches with an average of 20.38, justified the substantial investment.
