3 positives for SRH despite not making it to the playoffs in IPL 2023
Ahead of IPL 2023, many pundits believed that the Sunrisers Hyderabad could make a deep-run in the tournament. On paper, it seemed like SRH had all the resources to give the other teams a run for their money.
The Aiden Markram-led side failed to live up to expectations and could only manage four wins from their 14 games in IPL 2023. They finished at the bottom of the points table
However, despite their poor performances, there are still a few positives that the Hyderabad-based franchise can take from this season. Here's a look at three such positives:
#1 Heinrich Klaasen
Heinrich Klaasen was a rare shining light in an otherwise terrible season for SRH. He arrived late for the tournament due to national commitments, but made an incredible impact. In 11 innings, Klaasen scored 448 runs at a phenomenal average of 49.78.
Moreover, his runs came at a destructive strike-rate of 177.08, which is a testimony to how well he batted in IPL 2023. Klaasen found little support from the other batters but continued to perform throughout the season. The South African batter handled spin exceptionally well and was even called the best player of spin in the world by Kevin Pietersen.
#2 Mayank Markande
SRH started this season with English leg-spinner Adil Rashid in their playing 11. However, he had to be left out due to four overseas players rule and the young Mayank Markande suddenly became the team's main spinner. Markande did not not disappoint as he picked up 12 wickets in 10 games at an economy of 7.89.
Skipper Aiden Markram spoke highly of the 25-year-old on numerous occasions and he appears to have a bright future with the Orange Army.
#3 Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Bhuvneshwar Kumar lost his spot in India's squads and many raised questions over his calibre in recent months. However, through his performances in IPL 2023, the 33-year-old proved that he still has a lot of cricket left in him.
This season, despite not bowling at his best, Bhuvi picked up 16 wickets in 14 games at an economy rate of 8.33. He also picked up a five-wicket haul against the Gujarat Titans on May 15.