‘They wanted him as an opener’ - Tom Moody reflects on SRH getting Travis Head ahead of IPL 2024

The auction of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season created a major buzz as the franchises broke the bank for several star players. With the likes of Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc breaking the 20 crore barrier, another buy that made heads turn was Sunrisers Hyderabad securing the services of World Cup hero Travis Head.

Roping in the opener for INR 6.8 crore, Sunrisers Hyderabad edged out Chennai Super Kings in the bidding war and covered all of their bases. The franchise’s ex-coach, Tom Moody, came forward to reflect on how excited the side must be about securing Head’s services. Though he was not sure who would be leading SRH this season but revealed the possible role of Head in the side.

“They have got a lot of options there. They have got a lot of match-winners. The one thing we don't know is who is going to captain his side. One thing we do know is that I heard Muttiah Muralitharan during the auction that they were thrilled to get Travis Head because they wanted him as an opener," Tom Moody told Star Sports.

Notably, Head was the star of the show in the final of the ODI World Cup 2023, defeating India in the summit clash. Head scored 137 runs in 120 deliveries while chasing a target of 241 runs to ensure the win for the Men in Yellow.

SRH aim to do better after forgettable season

Sunrisers Hyderabad were quite active in the IPL 2024 auction, the side roped in Travis Head (Rs. 6.80 crores), Wanindu Hasaranga (Rs. 1.5 crores), Pat Cummins (Rs. 20.50 crore), Jaydev Unadkat (Rs. 1.60 crores), Akash Singh (Rs. 20 lakhs), Jhathavedh Subramanyan (Rs. 20 lakhs), respectively.

Breaking the bank on Pat Cummins, the side will be keen on doing better in the upcoming IPL season. After a forgettable campaign in 2023, where they finished in last place with eight points in 14 matches, Hyderabad will hope that the new additions will help them go all the way in 2024.