Aiden Markram Misses Out, SRH Name New Captain For IPL 2023 Opener Versus RR
Bhuvneshwar Kumar will lead SRH against RR [Source: Twitter]
In a significant development, South African batter Aiden Markram is set to miss Sunrisers Hyderabad's first IPL 2023 fixture against Rajasthan Royals due to national commitment. As reported by ESPN Cricinfo, veteran fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar will lead the franchise in this game in Markram's absence.
Notably, Markram will join the SRH camp on April 3 after participating in South Africa's home ODI series against Netherlands, which the Proteas must win to ensure their direct entry into the upcoming World Cup in India this year. Therefore, the stylish batter will miss SRH's IPL 2023 opener against Rajasthan Royals, scheduled on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Kumar, who has been a mainstay in India's lineup in white-ball cricket, has led SRH in seven matches- six times in 2019 and once in 2022. Regarded as an IPL legend, the experienced swing bowler has represented the Hyderabad-based franchise in 115 games with astounding success, scalping 130 wickets, including three four-fers, at an economy of 7.45.
On the other hand, the Sunrisers will definitely feel the unavailability of Markram, who led his SA20 franchise, Sunrisers Eastern Cape, to silverware earlier this year.
After locking horns against the Royals, SRH will take on Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow on April 7.
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