IPL 2022: Best benched XI from the sixth week

8. Pat Cummins

The Australian Test skipper has been kept out of the playing XI in back-to-back matches by Kolkata Knight Riders and that has led to some obvious criticism. Pat Cummins is the best Test bowler in the world at the moment, yet his repeated exclusion has raised some eyebrows. Since his stint in 2022 began, he has been very expensive by leaking runs at the rate of 12 runs per over and has picked up four wickets in the four matches that he has played. However, he played a sublime knock of 56* runs in just 15 balls which included four fours and six sixes against Mumbai Indians.

Glancing at his IPL career, he has done pretty well so far clinching 42 wickets in 41 matches with a decent economy of 8.62. In his international T20 ventures, he has taken 44 wickets in 39 matches with an excellent economy of 7.05. Due to his express pace and variation-deficient bowling, he has not been that productive for the Kolkata Knight Riders so far. Kolkata has won their last game but the inclusion of Pat Cummins may solidify their chances in the games to come.

If Kolkata Knight Riders want to remain in the scheme of things, they need to pick their best XI. Their bowling is lacking that rigour that Pat Cummins’ pace would provide. Apart from Umesh Yadav, their bowling doesn’t seem to unsettle the opposition as such. They are lacking the spirit of bowling in a unit at the moment. Because their batting has severely under performed, the bowlers have lacked the support and freedom of expressing themselves to their full potential. Pat Cummins with his leadership acumen can instill some confidence in the KKR camp.