IPL 2019: Match 8, SRH vs RR, Preview – Royals keen to park Buttler-controversy aside in maiden away game

Both teams could make some changes after defeats in their respective opening encounters.

Published - 28 Mar 2019, 18:46 IST | Updated - 28 Mar 2019, 18:46 IST

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Rajasthan Royals (RR) didn’t have the best of outings in their opening match against Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. Not only did the Ajinkya Rahane-captained team lost by 14 runs, but also had to go through a period of outrage. Jos Buttler, who scored a vital 69 runs, was controversially given out after opposition captain Ravi Ashwin mankaded him.

Post the dismissal, the Royals’ inning capsized alarmingly and Punjab ran away with the match. After the defeat, Rajasthan are now scheduled to play their next game against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. However, the home team can be deemed as the favourites as the Royals are yet to win a game at the venue, losing two of them.

On the contrary, SRH would be keen to make amends for their loss against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) where Dinesh Karthik’s men snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. Their bowling attack, touted to be one of the best in the tournament, came under the cosh courtesy of a thunderstorm named Andre Russell. On their home ground, SRH would be desperate to get their campaign off.

Team Combination

Sunrisers Hyderabad

There’s no official news on Kane Williamson’s participation, but he is most likely to feature in this game. In that case, Shakib Al Hasan may have to sit out. Also with Kane coming in, Vijay Shankar may bat at number four. Deepak Hooda may make way for Shahbaz Nadeem. Warner and Bairstow will open the batting. Pandey and Pathan are the other batsmen. Rashid Khan would be a key element as well.

Probable XI

Jonny Bairstow (WK), David Warner, Kane Williamson (C), Vijay Shankar, Manish Pandey, Yusuf Pathan, Rashid Khan, Shahbaz Nadeem, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Siddarth Kaul, Sandeep Sharma

Rajasthan Royals

Despite the defeat, RR may not make any changes to their eleven. Rahane and Buttler are the opening batsmen. A lot would depend on Steve Smith and Sanju Samson. Stokes remains to be a vital cog in their setup. Tripathi and Gowtham need to perform their roles as well. Gowtham and Gopal will share the spin-bowling responsibilities. Undakat, Archer, and Kulkarni form the fast bowling unit.

Probable XI

Ajinkya Rahane (C), Jos Buttler (WK), Steve Smith, Sanju Samson, Rahul Tripathi, Ben Stokes, Krishnappa Gowtham, Jofra Archer, Jaydev Unadkat, Shreyas Gopal, Dhawal Kulkarni

Rajasthan Royals win the toss, opt to bat first

IPL-2019-PLAYING-XI-SRHvRR

Focus will be on

Vijay Shankar- Sunrisers Hyderabad

Shankar, after an impressive stint with the Indian team, was entrusted to bat at number three against KKR. And he didn’t flatter to deceive by any means. He came to bat after Warner and Bairstow set the platform with a 118-run stand. Shankar remained not out until the very end with a knock of 40 runs from 24 balls. Shankar would be hoping to churn out a similar performance in the next game as well.

Jos Buttler- Rajasthan Royals

It goes without saying that Buttler was a massive roadblock for the Kings XI the other night in Jaipur. Once the 28-year-old Englishman perished, it opened up the floodgates for a Punjab win. Buttler would need to step up and deliver in the upcoming game as well. Against the potent SRH bowling attack, the Royals need a good start and hence, Jos’ role in the team becomes much more important.