'Will Aiden Markram play?' - Aakash Chopra questions SRH ex-skipper's place in playing XI

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 gets into its full swing, all eyes will be on South African batter Aiden Markram and his performance for the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) team. Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has highlighted the immense pressure on Markram to deliver consistently and retain his place in the playing XI.

SRH will face the five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) in their second league game of the season, with both teams having suffered losses in their respective campaign openers. As both the teams look to bounce back, the spotlight is firmly on Markram's form and his ability to contribute significantly to the Sunrisers' batting line-up.

Also read: Aakash Chopra's scathing remark on 'muddled' SRH

According to Aakash Chopra, Markram's position in the SRH squad is under threat, with the franchise eager to include Australian batter Travis Head in the playing XI. Markram's performances in the upcoming matches will be closely judged, according to the former India opener.

“Who are the three Hyderabad players I will be focussing on? Heinrich Klaasen has already done very well. So I am trying to go elsewhere. Will Aiden Markram play? It will be a major focus point for me because Travis Head is already in their minds,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

SRH will be longing to play Travis Head: Chopra

Chopra emphasized that if Head is included, it would disrupt the established top order comprising Mayank Agarwal, Abhishek Sharma, and Rahul Tripathi. The South African batter will need to capitalize on every opportunity he gets to cement his place in the line-up.

“They will be longing to play him (Head) but as soon as they play him, Mayank Agarwal, Abhishek Sharma, and Rahul Tripathi won't be able to play as the top three. Markram's days are numbered, so there will be a lot of focus in this match on how he fares,” the cricketer-turned-commentator added.

Also read: AB de Villiers 'upset' to see Aiden Markram's captaincy snub from SRH

Markram who was leading the side in the previous season and guided the Sunrisers Eastern Cape to their second consecutive title win in the SA20 had to step away from captaincy as the team management showed their confidence in Australian skipper Pat Cummins to lead their team in this season.