IPL 2018, Match 4: Sunrisers Hyderabad's Predicted XI to face Rajasthan Royals
IPL 2018 is off to a flyer, with the winning return of Chennai Super Kings against the most successful IPL team in Mumbai Indians. On Monday, April 9th, another team would make its return to the Indian Premier League as Rajasthan Royals visit the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium to face Sunrisers Hyderabad. Both teams have been struck hard by the Sandpaper Gate as David Warner and Steve Smith were crucial players for both sides.
The Sunrisers will now be led by Kane Williamson, who was not really expected to have a starting berth with the presence of Warner. But with his year-long suspension, he would be the first name on the sheet. We take a look at the predicted XI for Sunrisers Hyderabad, as this fixture marks the end of the first round of IPL 2018.
#1 Kane Williamson
IPL stats: 15 matches, 411 runs, Avg 31.62
Alex Hales was named as David Warner’s replacement, and he might soon get into the side as the opening batsman, but it’s highly unlikely that he'll get his chance immediately, considering the restrictions on the overseas slots. The captain will need to lead from the front and do a fine job as an opener. He might not be one of the most explosive batsmen in the world, but you get a sense of calmness with him and he could act as the anchor around which the team revolves. If an opener ends up staying for more than half the innings, you are up for a big score, and Williamson can surely fill that role.
#2 Shikhar Dhawan
IPL stats: 127 matches, 3561 runs, Avg 32.67
The next opener, without a doubt, is Shikhar Dhawan. Until last season, he would have been the one to take some time and understand the pace of the game, while Warner had a go and spiced things up. But the roles would get reversed this time, as Dhawan would need to play those explosive shots at the beginning to get the crowd going.