IPL 2018: Match 28, RR vs SRH, Preview - Archer-powered Royals aim to dominate the power-packed Sunrisers in the pink city

It will be a stern test for the hosts to face the bowling of the Sunrisers.

Published - 28 Apr 2018, 17:18 IST | Updated - 28 Apr 2018, 17:18 IST

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The rejuvenated and refreshed Rajasthan Royals (RR) are all set to host the in-form Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. The seven-day break has given the hosts the much-needed time to reflect their own performance and come up with better plans for the remainder of the season. On the other hand, their opponents Sunrisers are on a high after defending two low totals. However, the encounter will be no less than the battlefield when they will lock horns on a super Sunday.

Ajinkya Rahane will be relieved after Shane Warne, the mentor of the team, joined the side ahead of this game. There will be better plans in place to tackle the impeccable bowling attack of the visitors. Their batting also needs to be improved with the likes of Heinrich Klaasen and Jos Buttler struggling big time to hit the straps. Jofra Archer’s sensational IPL debut and Krishnappa Gowtham’s heroics gave them the victory in the last over against Mumbai Indians (MI) and would be eyeing to carry forward the momentum.

The Sunrisers have their own issues to deal with after the batting capitulation in two consecutive matches. Their bowling attack is the best so far in the tournament and has saved them the blushes more often than not. But the time will come when they will fail which has already happened once and the batsmen will have to put their hands up. With time in their hands, the Orange Army has to resurrect their issues in that aspect of their game to become the strongest of the lot.

Toss: SRH won the toss and elected to bat first

Rajasthan Royals (Playing XI): Ajinkya Rahane(c), Rahul Tripathi, Sanju Samson, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler(w), Krishnappa Gowtham, Jofra Archer, Mahipal Lomror, Jaydev Unadkat, Dhawal Kulkarni, Ish Sodhi

Sunrisers Hyderabad (Playing XI): Shikhar Dhawan, Alex Hales, Kane Williamson(c), Manish Pandey, Shakib Al Hasan, Yusuf Pathan, Wriddhiman Saha(w), Rashid Khan, Basil Thampi, Siddarth Kaul, Sandeep Sharma

Team Combination

Rajasthan Royals

It felt like the Royals have finally found their best combination during the game against Mumbai. Their batting depth came to the fore with Gowtham finishing the game and the bowling attack got the much-needed boost of Jofra Archer. Only the likes of Klaasen and Buttler are yet to shine so far with Ben Stokes finding his feet slowly but steadily. Even Jaydev Unadkat bowled well replicating his last year’s performance which must have relieved the management. No changes are expected to the winning XI of Royals for this game.

Sunrisers Hyderabad

Sunrisers have been spoilt for choices after Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been declared fit who was struggling with his back issues. He should be slotted straightaway into the playing XI with Alex Hales also should come in contention given their recent struggles at the top of the order. Mohammad Nabi and the unlucky Basil Thampi has to make way for them. They only need to stick to what they are doing the best so far and will easily win this game as well boosting their chances to qualify for the playoffs.

Focus will be on

Jofra Archer (Rajasthan Royals)

Jofra Archer was absolutely magnificent on his debut against Mumbai and went on to win the Man of the Match award. His bowling in the death overs proved to be the turning point in that game. The team management would be hoping for similar performances from him in the upcoming matches. Archer also bats decently and would be eager to display his heroics if he gets an opportunity. As of now though his job should be to continue the good job he did with the ball.

Shikhar Dhawan (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

Shikhar Dhawan’s struggles at the top of the order has put a lot of pressure on the middle-order and especially on the skipper Kane Williamson. An injury to him three games ago hasn’t done good to his confidence at all and has faded away significantly. He has scored 145 runs in 6 outings and hasn’t contributed much to the team’s cause in last few matches. Sunrisers badly need his blazing start at the top after which the other batsmen can take it forward to post and chase a big total.