While Abhishek Sharma and Heinrich Klaasen have dominated the run charts in IPL 2026, playing pivotal roles in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s impressive campaign, skipper Pat Cummins has chosen to shine the spotlight elsewhere. Following another commanding win, Cummins credited a rising bowling star for the team’s sustained success this season.

That player is Sri Lankan pacer Eshan Malinga, whose impact with the ball has been nothing short of remarkable. After missing the first half of the tournament due to fitness concerns, Pat Cummins returned to lead a side already in strong form—and he was quick to acknowledge Malinga’s influence in their five-match winning streak.

SRH have surged up the points table with five consecutive victories, and Malinga has been central to that run. The 25-year-old has claimed 12 wickets during this stretch alone, underlining his consistency and control, particularly in high-pressure phases. Overall, he has featured in all nine matches for the Orange Army this season, scalping 15 wickets and currently leading the Purple Cap race.

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Cummins’ praise came after SRH pulled off a stunning chase of 244 against the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. While the batting unit grabbed headlines for the successful chase, the captain highlighted Malinga’s role with the ball as equally significant.

“Eshan is a big reason why we’ve been winning these games. He’s got the Purple Cap, and everything’s falling into place for us right now,” Pat Cummins said at the post-match presentation.

In that high-scoring encounter, where Mumbai posted 243/5, Malinga stood out with figures of 1/29 in his four overs, including the crucial wicket of Suryakumar Yadav. His ability to contain runs on a batting-friendly surface further highlighted his growing maturity.

What makes Malinga’s rise even more impressive is his consistency. He has taken at least one wicket in seven of the nine matches he has played this season. His standout performance came against Delhi Capitals, where he returned figures of 4/32, showcasing his knack for breaking partnerships.

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As IPL 2026 progresses, SRH’s balanced unit continues to thrive—but as Pat Cummins rightly pointed out, it’s Malinga’s breakthroughs that are quietly driving their success.