SRH To Let Go Of Aiden Markram Even Before Start Of IPL 2024?

image-lqdnwefqPat Cummins with the World Cup 2023 trophy (x.com)

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) management went all in to acquire legendary fast bowler Pat Cummins at the IPL 2024 auction on December 19. The franchise roped in the Australian captain for a staggering sum of Rs.20.5 crores, thus briefly making him the most expensive purchase in the history of IPL.

While many have speculated that the SRH management went hammer and tongs for Cummins to reap the benefits of his pace dexterity, several insiders are of the opinion that the franchise might well be looking for a leadership change following their disappointing returns in the past couple of seasons.


SRH to appoint Pat Cummins as IPL 2024 captain?

The SRH management appointed South African import Aiden Markram as their captain for the IPL 2023 season earlier this year. While the franchise had hoped for better results from Markram following their twin finishes at number eight in 2021 and 2022, the ‘Orange Army’ finished at the bottom of the points table (tenth) by securing just four wins from their 14 league fixtures.

After acquiring Pat Cummins at the IPL 2024 auction, several insiders are speculating that the franchise might well be looking for another leadership change ahead of the next chapter of the tournament.

Cummins recently led the Australian cricket team to 2023 World Cup glory by defeating India in the title clash at a packed Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The legendary Australian fast bowler also led his country to 2021-23 World Test Championship (WTC) win, once again by defeating favourites India in the final.

Moreover, under his guidance, Australia retained the 2023 Ashes in England, thus becoming only the second Australian skipper after Tim Paine in more than 20 years to do so.

Markram’s dwindling leadership returns in IPL, coupled with Pat Cummins’ recent insurgence as a world conquering Australian leader, might well prompt the SRH management to make a leadership change by opting for the latter of the two cricketers as their IPL 2024 skipper.