New Delhi: Pat Cummins showcased exceptional leadership skills once again, leading Australia to a triumphant victory in the highly coveted Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-2025 against arch-rivals India. This remarkable win not only solidifies his position as a top-notch captain but also raises the question: what sets Cummins apart as the best in the world? Former Indian wicketkeeper-batsman, Dinesh Karthik, is of the opinion that Cummins embodies the essence of an outstanding leader, surpassing even his good friend Rohit Sharma in that aspect.
Recently, Dinesh Karthik proclaimed Pat Cummins as the top captain in world cricket, igniting conversations among fans and analysts. This bold statement comes at a time when Rohit Sharma’s captaincy is under the microscope, especially after India’s disappointing performances, including a 3-1 series loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and a home series sweep against New Zealand.
“I feel he (Cummins) is the most aggressive cricketer on the planet right now. And he doesn’t do it with talking or abusing. He does it with his body language, and the way he handles the media, postmatches, and prematches. He has in it, he has in him the ability to lead a group of men, and for me, he is the number one captain in the world right now,” Dinesh said in the latest episode of HeyCB with DK.
India’s defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy carries significant consequences, notably the loss of a chance to compete in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-2025 final. This loss has cast doubt on Sharma’s leadership and the future of Indian cricket. On the other hand, Cummins has enjoyed a string of victories, further proving his capabilities as a captain.
Since taking over the captaincy in 2021, Pat Cummins has propelled Australia to new achievements, including winning both the World Test Championship 2023 and the ODI World Cup 2023. His recent performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy was nothing short of phenomenal, as he took 25 wickets—the highest of any Australian bowler in the series. Additionally, he became the first bowler to achieve the 200-wicket milestone in the WTC, reinforcing his reputation as a top player.
Karthik praised Cummins not only for his impressive cricket skills but also for his dynamic leadership and aggressive style. He highlighted how Cummins inspires his teammates, making him a standout captain in today’s cricketing arena. This ability to motivate and lead in critical moments is essential in high-pressure matches.
Despite his recent accomplishments, Cummins faces future hurdles. He will be absent from the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka to be with his family for the birth of his second child. Furthermore, uncertainty surrounds his participation in the ICC Champions Trophy due to ankle scans, raising concerns about his fitness for the tournament in Pakistan.