Former Kolkata captain Dinesh Karthik has confirmed that Australian pacer Pat Cummins will not be available for the concluding part of the 2021 Indian T20 League in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
“Cummins has already informed me that he is not coming to the UAE,” the Kolkata wicket-keeper batsman informed the Times of India.
Although Cummins hasn’t officially declared the reason behind his withdrawal from the cash-rich tournament, some reports suggest that the pacer wants to spend time with his partner during her pregnancy.
The 28-year-old speedster was leading the Kolkata pace attack in the first half of the Indian T20 League before the tournament was postponed due to rising COVID-19 cases in the bio-bubble.
Cummins picked up nine wickets in seven games and also scored a breezy 66, which almost won Kolkata the game against Chennai in Mumbai. Cummins was bought by the Shah Rukh Khan-owned franchise for a whopping 15.50 crores at the auction in 2020.
In the absence of the Australian, Kolkata will rely on the Kiwi pacer Lockie Ferguson, who impressed with his pace and direction in the 2020 edition in the UAE.
Kolkata also have talented Indian pacers Prasidh Krishna, Shivam Mavi and Kamlesh Nagarkoti who can be genuine wicket-takers.
Currently, Kolkata are placed seventh on the points table having won only two games in seven outings.
Featured Image: IPL/ BCCI
