IPL 2023: Aiden Markram named captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad

Aiden Markram. (Photo Source: Twitter)

Ahead of the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League, Sunrisers Hyderabad revealed their new captain as Aiden Markram is all set to lead the side. The South African power-hitter has been a part of Hyderabad’s setup since 2022, when the franchise roped him in at the mega auction for INR 2.6 crore. The franchise released former skipper Kane Williamson before the IPL 2023 player auction and had been on the lookout for a new leader.

Markram recently led SRH-owned Sunrisers Eastern Cape to a brilliant victory at the inaugural SA20 tournament which concluded recently. He was prolific not just as the team’s skipper, but also contributed with the bat. His century in the semi-final contest against Joburg Super Kings helped the team reach the finals and eventually win it.

As he lifted the SA20 championship trophy alongside the members of his team, his succesful stint as a captain opened the doors for his SRH captaincy. The Hyderabad-based franchise made the official announcement on their social media on February 23, Thursday.

During the SA20 tournament, Markram had also expressed his desire to lead Sunrisers Hyderabad at the cash-rich event. In the 2022 edition of the IPL, markram had put up some memorable performances. He racked up 381 runs in 12 innings of 14 matches throughout the season and hit three half-centuries. He was handy with the ball too, and chipped in whenever necessary.

Other experienced players in the SRH unit were Mayank Agarwal and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, but Markram preffered over others based upon his recent stint at the SA20 tournament. Two-time champions Sunrisers Hyderabad would be hoping for Aidem Markram to continue his form and bring in the momentum at the IPL as well, and lead the side to their third title victory. SRH will play their campaign opener on April 2, 2023, against Rajasthan Royals.