Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins has issued a strong message ahead of the IPL 2026 Eliminator against Rajasthan Royals, saying his team will look to play with even greater intent rather than adopting a cautious approach in the high-pressure knockout clash.

SRH, who must win three consecutive matches to reclaim the title, will face Rajasthan Royals in a do-or-die encounter at the New International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh on Wednesday evening. Cummins emphasised that while playoff pressure is natural, the team’s focus remains on maintaining the aggressive brand of cricket that carried them through the season.

The SRH skipper said the team’s approach will not shift toward conservatism in crunch situations. Instead, he stressed that the side would aim to double down on its strengths. “Instead of being more conservative, try and be even more aggressive,” Cummins said, adding that the team has already proven its ability to string together winning runs during the league stage.

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Reflecting on the demands of knockout cricket, Cummins noted that the key is balancing instinct with preparation. He said players must stick to what has worked for them while also acknowledging the added pressure of elimination matches, where small margins can decide outcomes. SRH had earlier recorded a five-match winning streak during the season, which he pointed to as evidence of their capability under momentum.

Cummins also addressed bowling strategies against Rajasthan’s top order, highlighting the need for adaptable plans against match-winners in the opposition lineup. He noted that while individual batters can change games quickly, disciplined execution and tactical adjustments remain essential in containing them.

SRH have already secured a league double over Rajasthan Royals this season, but Cummins dismissed the relevance of past results in knockout cricket. He said the team will start from scratch, take learnings from previous encounters, and back their strengths as they aim to extend their campaign in IPL 2026.

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