SunRisers Hyderabad are one of the three teams that remain on the edge in the IPL 2020 points table and need a string of victories. With only six points from eight games, they are on level with Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals; however, are above them due to a superior net run rate. Nevertheless, to make it to the playoffs, the SunRisers need some strong performances.
SunRisers Hyderabad faces the age-old problem of having a top-heavy team with very little to show below. Kane Williamson’s fighting half-century was the only one that kept the Orange Army on track against Chennai Super Kings in Dubai. Hence, the opening pair need to fire consistently while the bowling line-up must do the heavy lifting in the absence of Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
We take a look at SunRisers Hyderabad’s predicted XI ahead of their IPL 2020 game against Kolkata Knight Riders:
David Warner:
David Warner could score only nine runs against Chennai Super Kings after facing 13 deliveries. Sam Curran dismissed the SRH skipper when Warner got an inside edge off his pads, spooning it to the bowler. The southpaw later conceded that the slowness in the pitch made it difficult for their batsmen to get going.
Jonny Bairstow (c):
Jonny Bairstow, who scored 97 runs against Kings XI Punjab, managed only 23 runs against Chennai Super Kings. Ravindra Jadeja plucked his wicket when the left-arm spinner tapped him on the crease to hit the stumps. The slowness of the deck made Bairstow suffocate as he faced 24 balls for only 23 runs.
Manish Pandey:
Manish Pandey, who scored a fifty against Rajasthan Royals, made a careless run against Chennai Super Kings that led to his downfall. Manish Pandey punched one to extra cover; however, he ran when there was no run available. Dwayne Bravo, the fielder hit the stumps as the batsman had to depart for 4.
Kane Williamson:
Priyam Garg:
Priyam Garg scored 16 off 18 deliveries against Chennai Super Kings as he shared a crucial stand of 40 with Kane Williamson. The Indian U-19 skipper has shown plenty of promise in his short career, having scored a quick-fire and match-winning half-century in the season; hence, he is likely to retain his spot.
Vijay Shankar:
Vijay Shankar played the last two matches for SunRisers Hyderabad in place of Abdul Samad; however, could not make a difference when there was a chance against CSK. Vijay Shankar managed only 12 runs off seven deliveries, perishing after a six that signalled a match-turning knock initially.
Rashid Khan:
Shahbaz Nadeem:
Shahbaz Nadeem arrived in place of all-rounder Abhishek Sharma as SunRisers Hyderabad decided to go for a specialist bowler. While he smashed a boundary during his five-ball stay, the left-arm spinner could not make a difference with the ball. In four overs, he leaked 29 runs; however, the SunRisers seem unlikely to drop him.
Sandeep Sharma:
Sandeep Sharma was the pick of the bowlers against Chennai Super Kings and the most economical of the lot. In place of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Sandeep Sharma has taken the mantle on his shoulders as he bowled brilliantly against Chennai Super Kings. In four overs, the seamer conceded only 19 runs and dismissed Faf Du Plessis and Sam Curran.
Khaleel Ahmed:
Khaleel Ahmed was the most expensive bowler against Chennai Super Kings, having conceded 45 in four overs. However, he also picked two wickets at a crucial stage. The left-arm seamer dismissed Ambati Rayudu and Dwayne Bravo that left the yellow army 10-15 runs.
T Natarajan:
T Natarajan also took two wickets in his four overs; however, he also conceded 41 runs, maintaining an economy rate of 10.25. T Natarajan fulfilled his dream of dismissing MS Dhoni as the CSK skipper threatened to bat SRH entirely out of the game. The Orange Army would be hoping for him to rediscover his knack of bowling yorkers consistently.