It was a huge day for the fans of Sunrisers Hyderabad on Thursday. It was reported on late Wednesday evening that s new captain will be announced the following day. While many expected it, the decision to name Aiden Markram was formally announced on Thursday morning. The 28 year old South African, Aiden Markram became the newest SRH skipper. This news prompted the orange army to get excited at the possibility of a 2nd title incoming.
The story as it happened –
Aiden Markram recently led the Sunrisers camp to a T20 title win. Markram was the captain when Sunrisers Eastern Cape won the much coveted first ever SA20 title. The 28 year led his men to a title win over Pretoria Capitals in the finals. This prompted the SRH management to give Markram the charge of the team to possibly lead them to a 2nd IPL title.
Mayank Agarwal or Bhuvneshwar Kumar? Markram’s choice for deputy –
While the new captain was named, the SRH management did not name the deputy of the team. Speaking to the media after the news came out, Markram was asked to name his likely deputy. Markram said “That's a tough one. I played under Mayank at the Kings. He and I got on really well. And if you look at the amount of experience someone like Bhuvi has, it is almost unreplaceable. So, to pick one would be difficult right now but I think both of them would nail it certainly”
Markram wants to pick Lara’s brains –
The next assignment for South Africa is the home test series against West Indies. Aiden Markram will have West Indian legend Brian Lara in the dugout as a batting coach. Speaking about Lara, the newly appointed SRH skipper said “We worked together briefly when he was the batting coach and we got along really well. We will be seeing each other a lot during the Test series against West Indies and that’s where we will start our discussion on the brand of cricket that we want to play”
SRH’s new skipper wants to see a different playing style –
SRH haven’t really done much after winning the league in 2016 and reaching the finals in 2018. Warner was stripped of his captaincy in 2021 and Kane Williamson was let go at the end last year. The playing style for the men from Hyderabad has also come into question. Speaking about this Markram said “I am sure we will be on the same page as we want to play a nice attacking brand of cricket where the players have the freedom to express themselves”
Markram’s inspiring captaincy –
Sunrisers Eastern Cape began the first ever SA20 with two back to back losses to Pretoria capitals. Their first win came when they beat Mumbai Indians Cape Town twice and Paarl Royals before going down to Joburg Super Kings.
Sunrisers Eastern then beat Durban before losing to Paarl in the return fixture, and sharing the points with Durban as the game was called off due to rains. Markram saw his team lose to JSK in the final group game before beating the same team in the semi finals. Sunrisers then beat Pretoria Capitals in the final to claim the title and SRH fans will hope that this year finally the sun could indeed rise.