IPL 2022 | Ravi Shastri expresses displeasure over Kolkata’s decision to bench Pat Cummins

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have been baffling fans and experts with their T20 approach of late. Currently placed seventh in the points table with 10 points, the Shreyas Iyer-led side has a lot to ponder. 

On Monday (May 9) evening, Pat Cummins wreaked havoc over the Mumbai Indians, keeping his team’s hopes alive in the tournament. And after former Team India coach Ravi Shastri expressed his distress for KKR’s decision to bench Cummins.

While talking to NDTV, Shastri quipped, “Shukar hai khilaya Pat Cummins ko. Pata nahi kya kar raha tha bench par baith kar garam kar raha tha seat 4-5 match se. Aisa player jo number one fast bowler hai world mein, World Cup winner hai, captain hai Australia ka, bench par baitha rahe ho.” 

(Thankfully, they played Pat Cummins. Don’t know what he was doing on the bench, warming the seat for 4-5 matches. A player who is the number one fast bowler in the world, a World Cup winner, and captain of Australia, was made to sit on the bench).

Cummins came into the IPL after guiding Australia to a Test series win over Pakistan in Pakistan on the back of sensational bowling displays. 

However, KKR preferred New Zealand’s Tim Southee ahead of Cummins, who picked up 12 wickets at a miserly economy rate of 7.22 from seven games.

The Kolkata-based franchise was off to a good start, winning three out of four games, including a win over Mumbai Indians, courtesy of Cummins. Although since then, their campaign has gone in one direction, and that is south. 

Now, Kolkata’s last two games will be against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Lucknow Super Giants, respectively.