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'He Showed Real..' - Suresh Raina Lauds Pat Cummins' Leadership In World Cup Final

image-lp98s5c1India and Australia played ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Final [X.com]

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Final between India and Australia in Ahmedabad ended up being a one-sided encounter, where the now six-time World Champions cruised past the hosts by six wickets. 

India led by Rohit Sharma, were in red-hot form, having won 10 matches on the trot, while Pat Cummins-led Australia were on a seven-match winning streak, making the contest seem even.

However, Cummins had other plans and pulled a rabbit out of the hat and opted to bowl at Narendra Modi Stadium, much to the surprise of cricket enthusiasts, which turned the tables on India.

Former India international Suresh Raina has highlighted the Australian captain's leadership as one of the key differences between both sides. 

Writing for ICC, the 2011 WC-winning player explained how Cummins' usage of bowlers and the tactics employed on the field ensured Indian batters were also behind the nine balls. 

Here's what Suresh Raina said on Pat Cummins

"What swung the game in Australia’s favour was Pat Cummins’ captaincy. The way he brought Glenn Maxwell in to the attack to get the wicket of Rohit Sharma with a brilliant catch from Travis Head was very smart. Adam Zampa was great too, as was Cummins himself in dismissing Virat Kohli. They outplayed India and were very solid in their planning.

I think Cummins showed real temperament in his captaincy. He changed his bowlers knowing he could put pressure on each India batter even though they were all in such good form. His tactics made all the difference, and his planning and execution was perfect."

Regarded as one of the best in-fielders, Raina also lauded Australia's fielding, which alone contributed to the pressure on Indian batters, who found it difficult to take singles.