IPL 2018: Shikhar Dhawan doubtful for CSK clash

The Indian Premier League is a long tournament and it is difficult for some players to remain fit throughout the length of the tournament. Playing a 20 over a game on alternate days may be easy but the transit time may prevent the players from getting adequate rest so that they can be fresh for the upcoming games. Some franchises follow the rotation policy to ensure that they have their key players fit for the big games.

The Sunrisers Hyderabad had a good start to the IPL. They didn’t seem to miss the services of Warner as they won three matches on the trot. SRH next face CSK who are ahead of them only by virtue of higher Net Run Rate. The teams have faced the same oppositions so far and have lost to only Kings XI Punjab. One major concern for SRH is the fitness of Shikhar Dhawan who was hit on the elbow in their last game.

The battle for the top

SRH have been over-reliant on their bowlers to do the job as they didn’t chase big targets in their first three games. Their batting was tested in the fourth game and the batsmen failed to deliver and chase the target in excess of 200. While CSK’s batting has stepped up so far, SRH’s bowling has taken them over the line. So it is going to CSK’s batting vs SRH’s bowling and the team that wins this battle is likely to bag two points.

Rashid Khan, who is the premier bowler for SRH, was hit for big sixes as Chris Gayle was enjoying his time in the middle. If bowlers have an off day for SRH, it becomes very difficult for them to bounce back in the match. On the other hand, the yellow army has had seven bowling options so far but the bowlers haven’t been consistent for them. Individual performances with the bat have taken the team over the line in all their matches so far.

The clash between SRH and CSK is a vital one as the winner will gain a stronghold over the top half of the points table. The Rajiv Gandhi international stadium in Hyderabad will be geared up to support Kane Williamson and his men. The home team has had a great record at home and will be looking to better their record. Alex Hales is likely to make the cut in case of Dhawan’s absence while CSK is unlikely to tweak their winning combination.

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