IPL 2017 RPS vs SRH Match Prediction: Who will win today's match between the Rising Pune Supergiant and Sunrisers Hyderabad, IPL 2017, Match 24

A long break would have given much-needed rejuvenation for the Rising Pune Supergiant, who have had a slow start to the IPL this year. One of the two new franchises unveiled last season, they went for an overhaul with a new captain, but the fortunes still haven’t been on the bright side. They face the Sunrisers Hyderabad, winners of the last edition, and the third-placed side currently in the points table.

For the Sunrisers, the nail-biting finishes in the last two games would have injected loads of confidence in David Warner and his men, but the team still hasn’t won a game away from home this season. The afternoon game at Pune gives the team the chance to break the streak.

Captain Steve Smith took a break from the rigorous schedule and headed to the Middle East, as did some of the other players, who went off to meet their families. While it would have helped clear the cobwebs, the momentum might rest with the Hyderabad team, which is clearly more match fit of the two. The Hyderabad side has won two, then lost the next two, and then won the following two games. Hopefully for them, the pattern won’t continue.

Where: MCA stadium, Pune
When: 1600 hours (IST)

If Sunrisers Hyderabad bat first

Predicted score: 180+
The opening pair, David Warner and Shikhar Dhawan, have done the bulk of scoring for Hyderabad, while Kane Williamson joined the party in their last encounter with a swift fifty, his first match of the tournament. Yuvraj Singh, after a blistering 60 in the first match, has turned pale, but trust the southpaw to return to his elements.

Pune’s bowling line-up has been dodgy: Ashoke Dinda was brushed aside at the start of the tournament, but Shardul Thakur have looked impressive in the limited opportunities that he has got, and is likely to be continued with. Imran Tahir has looked to make the most impact of the lot, but hasn’t received as much support from the spinners. Given that Hyderabad has three out of the top five batsmen as lefties, he would have to up his game further.

If Rising Pune Supergiant bat first

Predicted score: 175+

Perhaps the biggest concern for the RPS team has been the horrid form of MS Dhoni, who has managed to eke out just 61 runs in five games, and has looked a pale shadow of his old self. The batting has revolved around Ajinkya Rahane, the highest run-getter last season, as well as captain Steve Smith, who has looked as comfortable in coloured clothing as he was in the white attire just a month back. They also have in their ranks the hard-hitting Ben Stokes, who can end the innings with a bang.

The Sunrisers bowlers have been led by the Purple Cap holder Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who has been in devastating form with the ball this season. He has applied the initial pressure with the new ball, and has been as effective with his yorkers in the death. Assisting him is Rashid Khan and, to some extent, Siddharth Kaul.

Predicted winners: Sunrisers Hyderabad