“Massive overs”: Aussie great believes Cummins’ T20 performances aren’t worthy of massive IPL windfall
Australian great Jason Gillespie has labelled Pat Cummins’ fresh IPL contract “massive overs”, but supports the AUD$4.4 million handed out to Mitch Starc.
In the IPL auction on Tuesday evening, Australian captain Cummins set the all-time purchase record when heading to the Sunrisers Hyderabad for a then-record $3.67 million.
He’ll link up with Travis Head and Aussie assistant coach Daniel Vettori, who coaches the Sunrisers. Cummins has played 50 T20Is for Australia and boasts an average of 24.54, taking the fourth-most wickets of any Aussie to ever play the format internationally.
Gillespie, who represented Australia on over 150 occasions and has coached the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League since 2015, doesn’t see value for money in Cummins’ new deal.
“I think so,” Gillespie responded when questioned if the deal was a little overs on SEN Sportsday SA.
“Pat’s obviously a quality bowler and a quality leader, we’ve seen that. I just don’t think T20 is his best format.
“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.”
But the now former all-rounder has a different view on the massive money forked out for Cummins’ fellow quick Starc.
Just an hour later, Starc – set to play in the IPL for the first time since 2015 – blew Cummins’ record out of the water when landing a ridiculous contract with the Kolkata Knight Riders.
“I think it just highlights how important teams value left-arm fast bowling and left-arm swing bowling at pace,” Gillespie added on Starc.
“I think he’s a great buy. It’s a lot of money, we all acknowledge that, but the IPL is a very rich tournament… I’m absolutely delighted for Mitch.”
Only Adam Zampa has taken more T20I wickets than Starc for Australia.
Spencer Johnson ($1.78 million to the Titans), Head ($1.22 million to the Sunrisers) and Jhye Richardson ($892,000 to the Capitals) were the next best Australians sold on Tuesday.