“Nothing is more satisfying than quieting a large crowd,” declared Pat Cummins a day before a pivotal match in his role as Australia’s captain.
However, he accomplished what many deemed impossible by entering the immense Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, filled to capacity, prepared to influence the thoughts of the Indians and create confusion.
This wasn’t the powerhouse Australian team of the past, and the 2023 World Cup hadn’t witnessed their flawless performance yet. Despite the chance in the final against the undefeated hosts, they knew it could go against them, facing a strong Indian team.
Yet, on that day, Cummins demonstrated he possessed the same pedigree as Allan Border, Steve Waugh, Ricky Ponting, and Michael Clarke, all of whom amassed numerous accolades.
While somewhat different from the likes of Ponting and Waugh, Cummins’ determination was no less formidable than theirs. Opting to send Rohit Sharma’s team into bat on a challenging Ahmedabad pitch might have seemed like inviting trouble, but Cummins showed his assertiveness.
The mental confusion from the initial two games was discarded. The visitors embraced clarity and fearlessness, presenting a challenge to India in a manner they likely hadn’t anticipated.
Cummins showcased a masterful display of strategy and intelligence, leading an exceptional bowling performance to limit India to 240.
Travis Head’s stellar performance ensured victory for his side. Cummins, initially leading in only 3 ODIs, emerged as a World Cup-winning captain. Post-match, he aptly remarked, ‘We had saved our best for the last.’
What potential outcomes awaited Australia and Pat Cummins in 2023?
Cummins could rightly be called the captain of the year considering his achievements. Winning the 2023 World Cup and getting a big contract in the 2024 IPL auction added to his success.
Whether people think he deserves it or not, guiding Australia through a tough situation in the group stage has earned him a lot of fans.
He concluded the year by quashing Pakistan’s challenge at the MCG, preventing them from achieving a record run-chase with impactful performances in both innings.
However, the year could have held more significance for Cummins, offering him the opportunity to lead Australia to heights few of his predecessors had reached.
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