IPL 2024, Match 41: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Match Preview

Match 41 in the ongoing IPL 2024 will see Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) squaring off against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, on Thursday, April 25.

Judging by the points tally, the contest might seem like a mismatch as SRH are placed third, while RCB are at the bottom. However, when two fierce competitors take on each other, the past results and positions on the points table will not have much bearing on the outcome.

SRH have won five out of their seven matches so far in IPL 2024 and are coming off a stunning 67-run victory against Delhi Capitals (DC) in Delhi, and they are on a four-match winning streak. Meanwhile, Bengaluru have managed to win just one game from eight matches and are on a six-match losing streak.

Also Check: IPL 2024 Schedule

The Pat Cummins-led side has one of the most dangerous batting line-ups in the competition. Earlier in the season, they broke RCB's 10-year-old record for the highest team total in a game against Mumbai Indians as they scored 277/3. In their clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Cummins and Co. posted 287/3 in their 20 overs, and broke their own record within days. Bengaluru tried hard but fell short by 25 runs.

In their last clash against Delhi Capital, SRH yet again crossed the 250-run mark, making it their third of the season. The in-form opening batter, Travis Head scored a match-winning knock of 89 runs. The contribution from his opening partner Abhishek Sharma was also immense as he scored a 12 ball-46. Shahbaz Ahmed and Nitish Kumar Reddy have also shown their potential while Aiden Markram and Heinrich Klaasen have also been in great shape.

Meanwhile, T Natarajan tops the list of highest wicket-takers for the Orange Army. The left-arm seamer has picked up 10 wickets in five games at an average of 17. Skipper Cummins has too been in decent form picking nine wickets in seven games. But the veteran Bhuvneshwar Kumar's form has been a concern as he has picked just four wickets in seven games and has been expensive.

On the other hand, RCB are having one of their poorest seasons in the history of IP and Virat Kohli has been the only bright spot for the team. Kohli is currently the highest run-scorer with 379 runs in eight innings, with two half-centuries and one century. Meanwhile, Dinesh Karthik has also been in glorious form as he has scored 251 runs from seven innings at an average of 62.75 and a strike rate of 196.09. However, the overall middle-order has been a concern as Rajat Patidar, Will Jacks, and Cameron Green haven't fired.

The bowling department has been a huge setback  too as Yash Dayal, Vijaykumar Vyshak, and Reece Topley all have conceded runs at economy rates of over 10. Mohammed Siraj was expected to be the leader of the pack but he has looked off-colour in almost every game. Lockie Ferguson, who was brought into the playing XI very late, has also not performed to his fullest potential. 

Also Check: IPL 2024 Points Table

Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium Pitch Report

The surface at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium is known for being a batting paradise, providing excellent batting conditions. Bowlers will need to be highly accurate and precise with every delivery they bowl. Out of the 73 IPL matches played at this venue, the team chasing the target has emerged victorious on 41 occasions, while the team batting first has won 32 times. The team that wins the toss would ideally prefer to field first and chase the target later.

Probable Playing XI

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH):

The opening duo of Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head has been exceptional for Hyderabad. With the likes of Aiden Markram and Heinrich Klaasen in the middle order, SRH can capitalise on the middle overs and score as many runs as possible. Youngsters like Nitish Kumar Reddy, Abdul Samad and Shahbaz Ahmed are also showing maturity and giving that late flourish to the team. 

Predicted XI: Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen (WK), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Abdul Samad, Shahbaz Ahmed, Pat Cummins (C), Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mayank Markande, Jaydev Unadkat

Impact Player: T Natarajan

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

Even after multiple changes in their playing XI, RCB have still not found their right team. Will Jacks, Rajat Patidar, and Cameron Green have all been inconsistent when it comes to scoring runs while the bowling has been dreadful as the bowlers have leaked many runs. 

Predicted XI: Faf Du Plessis (C), Virat Kohli, Will Jacks, Rajat Patidar, Cameron Green, Dinesh Karthik (WK), Mahipal Lomror, Karn Sharma, Lockie Ferguson, Mohammed Siraj, Yash Dayal

Impact Player - Suyash Prabhudesai

Head-to-Head Record

IPL 2024: Match 41: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru