SRH vs RR: Tom Moody proposes 2 major changes for Pat Cummins' Sunrisers Hyderabad to create 'better-balanced team'

Former Australian all-rounder Tom Moody has suggested changes to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for Qualifier 2 against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Tom Moody stated that Aiden Markram should be brought back to Sunrisers Hyderabad for the do-or-die game.

The Pat Cummins-led team will lock horns with the Sanju Samson-led team in the knockout match at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday, May 24. The winner of the upcoming match will advance to the IPL 2024 final to face the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the same venue on Sunday, May 26.

The Hyderabad team struggled in Qualifier 1 against the Knight Riders in Ahmedabad. The SRH team suffered a heavy defeat by eight wickets. They need to make some overdue adjustments to their lineup as they prepare to face Rajasthan, who secured a confidence-boosting victory in the "Eliminator" match.

Mayank Markande In As Their Specialist Spinner - Tom Moody

#<!---->S<!---->R<!---->H are a better balanced team with Mayank Markande in as their specialist spinner and Aiden Markram back to provide stability at No4. #<!---->S<!---->R<!---->H<!---->v<!---->R<!---->R

— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) M<!---->a<!---->y<!----> <!---->2<!---->4<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->4

Tom Moody took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to share his thoughts on Sunrisers Hyderabad's lineup. Moody stated that SRH would be better balanced with Mayank Markande as their specialist spinner and Aiden Markram at No. 4.

"#SRH are a better balanced team with Mayank Markande in as their specialist spinner and Aiden Markram back to provide stability at No4. #SRHvRR," Moody wrote.

Aiden Markram has been benched for the last six matches of the current tournament. The former SRH captain has accumulated 199 runs in nine matches at an average of 28.43 with a decent strike rate of 130.92. His best performance came against the Chennai Super Kings at their home ground in Hyderabad.

Mayank Markande has secured eight wickets in seven matches at an average of 16.50 with an expensive economy rate of 11.77 in the ongoing tournament. Sri Lankan leg-spinner Vijayakanth Viyaskanth has played in three matches and taken one wicket at an average of 86.00 and an economy rate of 8.60.

Sunrisers Hyderabad Don’t Have A Decent Spin Attack - Varun Aaron

Former Indian cricketer Varun Aaron has recommended two changes to SRH's lineup. Aaron said that the team management should include Mayank Markande and Aiden Markram for their spin prowess. He also suggested Washington Sundar as a potential inclusion in the XI against the Royals.

“Rajasthan Royals has been the favorite to win this tournament right from the start, especially at Cheapauk, definitely, the spin will play a very big role," Aaron told ESPNCricinfo.

“The Sunrisers don’t have a decent spin attack. If they want an edge then they should bring in Markande and Markram, you get one part-time off-spinner and one experienced Indian leg spinner. The third one is a wildcard option in the form of Washington Sundar. It’s his home ground and he’ll look to prove a point," Aaron continued.

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