SRH’s Mayank Markande hopes to be back in focus | Cricket
It has been a strange IPL for leg-spinner Mayank Markande. Though he has been bowling impressive googlies and scalping 10 wickets, his team Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) is going through a slump. Markande’s bowling and reflex catch on Saturday sent back Delhi Capitals (DC) opener Phil Salt for a 35-ball 59 that turned things around at the Ferozshah Kotla ground.
Markande broke the 112-run stand between Salt and Mitch Marsh that set the tone for SRH’s nine-run win. Markande also bowled Priyam Garg for 12 runs. His wickets have come at a decent economy of less than 7.
I am happy with the way I am bowling, especially with the googly. I have had a good domestic season playing all formats for Punjab and I am looking forward to carrying that form forward. Domestic matches are very competitive. I think it has helped me gain confidence and prepare well for the IPL.
However, Markande, who moved to DC and then Rajasthan Royals, didn’t get much chances along with leg-spinners Rahul Chahar and Rahul Tewatia. In his first season in 2018, he played in 14 games, taking 15 scalps. After that, he got a chance to play only three (2019), one (2021) and two (2022) in the next three seasons.
This season, Markande has played six out of the eight matches that SRH have played thanks to the faith shown in him by the team management. Legendary Sri Lankan spin bowler Muttiah Muralitharan has also played a key role as spin coach.
“His presence has definitely helped me. He doesn’t ask for much skill-wise variations like that but works hard on tactical variations. He stresses on mindset, on mental preparation,” Markande, who had an impressive first game this season against Punjab Kings, took 4/15 as Hyderabad restricted PBKS to 143/9 and handed SRH an eight-wicket win.
The way he troubled Chennai Super Kings’ Ambati Rayudu with a googly was also impressive. Veteran coach Munish Bali said: “His form has been top-notch this IPL season. Due to the lack of opportunities in the last season, he could not attract much attention. But SRH are backing him and he is not letting them down either. He is one of the best spinners in India at the moment. Also, he has worked very hard on his batting skills. He knows he has to be a useful all-rounder to get more chances.”
It was Bali who persuaded Markande to switch from medium pace bowling to spin. “He has been very consistent with his bowling, especially the googly he has been bowling. Very quick, skilful and at good pace. It has been difficult for batsmen to read him. He knows what it takes to be back at the national level.” To do what he needs to do and he is doing just that. As far as his catching skills are concerned, he is excellent,” Bali said on the sharp catch taken by Markande against DC to remove the salt. Referring to said.
