IPL 2021: Match 44 – Strongest Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) Predicted Playing XI Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

The Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) finally arrested their losing streak and put on a dominating performance against Rajasthan Royals (RR) to win by seven wickets in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Clearly, the change at the top of the order worked wonders for the team. Jason Roy replaced the out-of-form David Warner and scored a blistering 60 off just 42 balls to help lay a platform for the middle-order batters. Apart from Roy, even skipper Kane Williamson scored some much-needed runs.

Clearly when the top three batters click SRH are a different side altogether. With nothing to lose the management also gave young players like Priyam Garg and Abhishek Sharma a chance in place of Manish Pandey and Kedar Jadhav. Although SRH are almost out of this year’s IPL, the performances of young players like Sharma and Garg must be heartening to see.

With a win under the belt, SRH’s confidence has come back. The inclusion of the English opener in the team gave them the kind of start they were hoping to have in the power play. And so, with that momentum, they will look to take on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their net game.

Here is the predicted playing for SRH against CSK

Openers – Jason Roy and Wriddhiman Saha

The hard-hitting England opener Jason Roy had a rollicking debut for SRH as he blitzed his way to 60 runs off just 42 balls. The right-hand batter was in his elements straightway and took on Rajasthan Royals bowlers with effortless ease. He also took some pressure off Wriddhiman Saha and allowed him to play the second fiddle. With CSK bowlers Shardul Thakur and Deepak Chahar trying to get early wickets, Roy’s attacking innings upfront might release some pressure for Williamson and other batters.

Meanwhile his partner at the other end, Saha has not fired as he would have hoped for. But with a free-flowing batter like Roy at the crease, Saha can look to get his eye in and then try to play some shots down the ground.

Middle Order – Kane Williamson, Priyam Garg, Abhishek Sharma

Apart from skipper Williamson’s dwindling returns, Manish Pandey and Kedar Jadhav’s form was too a cause of a concern for the management. But with no pressure of qualifying, the management gave Garg and all-rounder Abhishek Sharma chances. Although Garg failed, Sharma played well and scored unbeaten 21 runs.

Roy’s firing start upfront gave Williamson more time to bat without any pressure. He played that sheet anchor’s role to perfection and scored a classy unbeaten 51. The skipper’s return to form gave SRH’s batting lineup much need lift. With four games yet to be played, the ice-cool Williamson would hope to end this year’s IPL campaign on high. Meanwhile, young Garg would look to cash on this opportunity and show to the world his batting prowess.

All-rounders – Jason Holder and Abdul Samad

Jason Holder is having a great season for SRH but consistency is what he would be aiming for. After his all-around brilliance against PBKS, Holder failed to pick wickets against RR. And that would not have pleased him too much. But the all-rounder facing CSK his old team might well remind the franchise in yellow of his all-around prowess.

On the other hand, youngster Abdul Samad has shown maturity beyond his age to help finish off few games for SRH. Coming in to bat at six or seven, Samad hitting abilities has helped the team post score more than 150. With four matches yet to be played the management might also very well try him pushing him up the order.

Bowlers – Rashid Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Sandeep Sharma, Siddharth Kaul  

SRH’s stronger suit, the bowlers have yet again been brilliant during this year’s IPL. Even without T Natarajan, the likes of Sandeep Sharma and Siddharth Kaul have stood up and helped the team defend low totals. The lead spinner Rashid Khan as usual has been phenomenal in the middle overs. During the last game against RR, he yet again kept things tight and gave away 31 runs and picked up a wicket.

Meanwhile, the three pacers Kumar, Kaul and Sharma were accurate with their lines and lengths. Ever economical, Kumar gave only 28 runs for his one wicket. While Kaul and Sharma were a touch on the expensive side but picked up two and one wickets, respectively. But against CSK batters, the duo should need to step up and support Kumar.