Jake Fraser-McGurk has to open if DC want to reach IPL 2024 playoffs: Tom Moody

Jake Fraser-McGurk has to open if DC want to reach IPL 2024 playoffs: Tom Moody

Former Australian cricketer and renowned coach Tom Moody was in awe of Jake Fraser-McGurk’s belligerent hitting after the youngster made an instant impact with a match-winning fifty for DC on his IPL debut. Moody pointed out that Jake Fraser-McGurk could play a very important role in DC’s quest for a spot in the IPL 2024 playoffs if he is allowed to open ahead of David Warner. Â

Fraser-McGurk, known for his fearless approach at the crease, already showcased his potential in the IPL, notably with a stunning fifty against LSG on his IPL debut. The young Australian batter’s ability to dominate the powerplay overs, leveraging his “no off button” attitude to relentlessly attack the bowlers, has caught the eye of many, including Moody.Â

The Australian legend argues that for DC to revitalize their campaign and secure a spot in the playoffs, they must adopt a more aggressive strategy, starting with Fraser-McGurk opening the innings. Fraser-McGurk slammed 5 sixes in a measured knock after DC lost both openers in a tricky chase of 168 runs. The batter got out after scoring 55 runs off just 35 balls after taking Delhi to a place of assurance in the chase.

LSG vs DC: Report

Fraser-McGurk has got no off button: Tom Moody

“What we saw from Fraser-McGurk tonight. You want him to face every single ball in the power play because he’s got no off button and he’ll go and go hard. Uh, there’s yes, there’s a lot of experience there, but there’s a huge amount of upside to what he can offer and Dehi are in a position where they need to just win games of cricket, so they need to risk their game to accumulate wins,” Tom Moody said while speaking on Star Sports.

Moody pointed out that DC’s precarious position, having won only two out of six games, leaves them with little room for complacency. The former SRH coach added DC must embrace a mindset of aggression, both on the field and in their selection strategies, if they have any hope of reaching the finals.

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According to the former Australian cricketer, Fraser-McGurk embodies this ethos and is willing to take risks to tilt the game in their favor. The emphasis on an aggressive brand of cricket necessitates a corresponding approach to team structure, ensuring that players are placed in positions where they can maximize their impact from the outset.

 “They can’t play conservatively and expect to play finals from where there are, you know, played six games, only won two. So they need to play a really aggressive brand of cricket, and their mindset needs to be aggressive. Therefore, their selection and the way they structure their side needs to also back that philosophy. So, for me, Fraser McGurk needs to be batting at the top of the order,” Moody added.

DC will be next in action against GT in Ahmedabad on April 17.Â