IPL 2018: SRH v CSK, Match 20 - Sunrisers Hyderabad Predicted XI

The Sunrisers Hyderabad have had a decent outing thus far in the tournament, winning their first three games and despite losing their previous game, they’ll be aware of their strengths and stick to it. A certain Chris Gayle came in the way of Hyderabad and a 4th consecutive win as the Universe Boss scored a hundred and Kings XI Punjab won the game by 15 runs.

For the Sunrisers, the task only gets difficult from now on. Up next for them are the two-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings, who are coming on the back of a huge win against the Rajasthan Royals. A win for the Hyderabad franchise will take them to the top spot and a win for the CSK would also do the same for them.

There has been a lot of concern amongst the Sunrisers fans over the team composition. Not many understood the motive behind Billy Stanlake not getting a game and in a way, that proved costly. Here’s the predicted XI of the Orange Army for this gigantic clash in Hyderabad.

Openers – (Shikhar Dhawan and Wriddhiman Saha (wk))

Dhawan was sent back to the pavilion right after he faced his first ball as the cherry hit him on his elbow badly. To take no further risk, the management decided to take him off the field and he probably is back to full fitness for this huge game. A good start from him is way too imperative for the side.

Wriddhiman Saha has been under the scrutiny for his abysmal batting performance. But as a keeper, he is always brilliant behind the stumps. His track record as an opener has been decent and that’s one reason why he might get a few more games at the top of the order.

Middle Order – (Kane Williamson (C), Manish Pandey, Yusuf Pathan)

Kane Williamson registered two consecutive fifties for the side, but the one against Kings XI was slightly on the slower side. He failed to catch up with the required rate and they never really were in the run chase. Similar was the case with Manish Pandey, who was trolled badly for the way he approached this huge run chase.

Yusuf Pathan was sent up the order in the previous game to get some quick runs. The tactic didn’t really provide the expected result, but Pathan did get a few boundaries after his name. He gave a good finishing touch in the game against KKR as well.

All-rounders – (Deepak Hooda, Shakib Al Hasan)

Deepak Hooda finally got a chance to bowl this tournament as the other bowlers were getting hammered by Gayle. With the bat, he succumbed to the pressure and never got going. Yet, he’s a valuable addition to the side and will get to play the entire season probably.

Shakib Al Hasan has been one of the finds of the season for SRH and his performances have been terrific thus far. With the bat and ball, he’s doing the job and he is a very important player for the Sunrisers. The management is also being praised for the way they’re using Shakib, something the previous franchises failed to do.

Bowlers – (Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rashid Khan, Billy Stanlake, Siddarth Kaul)

Bhuvneshwar Kumar was outstanding in the game against Punjab. Whilst all the other bowlers were leaking runs, he gave away just 25 runs and picked up one big wicket. Billy Stanlake is expected to return to the XI, replacing Jordan. He has the X-factor in him to trouble the batters and the SRH should use him to optimum effect.

Rashid Khan got a small reality check that T20 cricket is not as easy as people think. Rashid was hammered for 55 runs. Yet, no one can disregard how important a bowler he is. Siddarth Kaul will find his place in the XI as he has been performing consistently well in the death overs.

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