Challenges for SRH Captain Aiden Markram Ahead of IPL 2O23

image-lfwdps2tAiden Markram will lead SRH this season [iplt20.com]

The Sunrisers Hyderabad captain, Aiden Markram is all set to miss the first game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Markram will be taking care of the national duties for South Africa, as the team is set to face the Netherlands in the two-game ODI series.

In his absence, veteran Indian pacer, Bhuvneshwar Kumar will lead the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their first match against Rajasthan Royals. But with Markram returning from the second game, he'll surely have plenty to ponder upon.

The SRH side have boasted their squad in the IPL mini auction that took place in December last year. They have added the likes of Harry Brook, Adil Rashid, and Mayank Agarwal in their ranks, and will certainly start as one of the favourites for the upcoming IPL.

But as the skipper of SRH, the expectations will be high from Markram, and he does have a lot to think when it comes to (both the batting and bowling departments).

Challenges as SRH captain

Who the four foreigners will be?

SRH have plethora of talent, and have invested heavily in the squad this season. They have world-class talent in Harry Brook, Glenn Phillips, Marco Jansen, Fazalhaq Farooqi and others. But you can only accommodate four foreigners and choosing four amongst so man y talented players will be tough for Markram.

The Proteas batter will play for sure, since he's the captain. That leaves SRH with three slots. Harry Brook was bought for INR 13.25 crore and will surely slot in at number 5. Expect Glenn Phillips to play at 6 who can also keep wickets for SRH. That leaves them with one spot. Does Markram go with Adil Rashid to bowl leg spin? Or will he pick up a pacer in the form of Marco Jansen and Fazalhaq Farooqi?

Spin attack looks weak

Barring Adil Rashid, there is no prominent spinner in the side. When SRH had Rashid Khan, you knew he is a reliable spinner, but that's not the case with Adil Rashid. He has only played a solitary game in IPL, and has been relatively untested.

If he underperforms, where will Markram head towards? He doesn't have any other option to go for. This is where his captaincy skills will be tested under tough circumstances. For starters, they do have Washington Sundar in their ranks, but his performances were dismal last season.

In 9 IPL matches, he only took 6 wickets, at an average of 39.

FAQ's

Does Aiden Markram play in the IPL

Aiden Markram plays for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL. Previously he played for the Punjab Kings.