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India cricketer Hanuma Vihari believes Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) should include Aiden Markram and Mayank Markande in the playing XI against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the IPL 2024 second qualifier. The much-awaited clash is scheduled to take place on May 24, Friday, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
The 30-year-old’s comments came ahead of Qualifier 2, stating that the pitch at Chepauk Stadium needs a steady player. The Andhra cricketer suggested that for SRH to win the game, they should play the veteran Proteas batter and young leg-spinner.
“Markram should play tonight. Chennai pitch needs a steady player. Markram & Mayank markande should play,” Vihari wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Markram has been one of their consistent performers, having scored 199 runs in nine games. Meanwhile, Markande, who has played only seven games for SRH has picked up eight wickets.
Markram should play tonight.
— Hanuma vihari (@Hanumavihari) May 24, 2024
Chennai pitch needs a steady player.
Markram & Mayank markande should play.
The Hyderabad-based franchise enjoyed a terrific season in the league stage but unfortunately lost to Kolkata Knight Riders in Qualifier 1. Led by Pat Cummins, they finished second in the IPL 2024 points table with 17 points, winning eight matches, losing five, and having one game ended with no result. SRH has made a significant impact with their impressive batting performances, and scripted record in the tournament setting lofty innings totals. The 2016 champions top the list of most runs by a team in an innings with a massive 287 runs (against RCB), followed closely by another of their records, 277 runs (against MI).
RR, on the other hand, also had a terrific run in the league stage, finishing third in the points table with 17 points. They started strong with four straight wins before losing the fifth game against Gujarat Titans. They bounced back with four more victories in a row but were unable to secure a win in the remaining matches while their last league stage fixture ended without a result. However, they managed to beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru by four wickets in the Eliminator, earning their spot in Qualifier 2.
