IPL 2018, SRH vs KXIP: Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) predicted XI to take on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
Kings XI Punjab are on a roll in the ongoing IPL as they are sitting pretty at the top of the table with 10 points in five games. They have defeated teams like Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kolkata Knight Riders etc. this season and are on their way to the playoffs.
The R Ashwin-led side is set to play their first reverse fixture as they travel down south to Hyderabad to take on Sunrisers Hyderabad tomorrow (April 26). The last time both these teams played this season, Chris Gayle scored an unbeaten century and took his side to an easy win.
The table-toppers might be making at least one change to the team that played against Delhi Daredevils. Let us take a look at how Kings XI Punjab will line up for their clash against Sunrisers.
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Aaron Finch has been poor in the ongoing IPL as he managed to cross the two-run mark just once this season. Chris Gayle, who has been in a devastating form, is likely to be fit for the Sunrisers clash and might replace the Aussie at the top of the order.
KL Rahul has been Kings XI Punjab's backbone with the bat as he has been getting his team off to a great start time and time again. He has scored two half-centuries so far and will be looking to convert those into a century soon. He got out for just 21 in the game against Delhi Daredevils and the right-hander will look to make amends against his former side by scoring a big one.
Mayank Agarwal was the most valuable player in the Indian domestic format as he scored runs on a consistent basis across all three formats. Even in the IPL, he has been striking the ball well and been getting off to good starts but is failing to convert them into big scores. The Kings XI Punjab management might give him one last chance to prove himself before showing him the axe.
Karun Nair has performed quite well with the bat this season, scoring one half-century and a handful of 30+ scores. He has provided stability in the misfiring middle order and will continue to do the same.
Yuvraj Singh has been in poor form in all the matches he's played so far. Ideally, he should have been shown the exit door long back in favour of Manoj Tiwary. But, the franchise is still persisting with him hoping that he will come good sooner than later. Ashwin is a bold captain and impressed with his captaincy so far this season. Though the southpaw might get the nod again ahead of Tiwary, it won't be a surprise if Yuvraj makes way for the Bengal batsman.
David Miller was dropped from the side after the first match of the season. He made a comeback in the last match and scored some crucial runs for his team. He is likely to get another chance in the playing XI and the Protea batsman will look to cement his place in the side for the rest of the tournament.
Ravichandran Ashwin has led the side extremely well and has been lauded for his tactics on the field. He has performed well with the ball too and has chipped in with a couple of decent performances with the bat as well. He will look to continue his good work both as a captain and the team's lead spinner.
After a slow start, Andrew Tye has found his mojo back and has been delivering for the Kings XI on a consistent basis in the last three matches. He has picked up important wickets for the side at the right time and will continue to lead the attack for KXIP.
Barinder Sran replaced an injured Axar Patel and has had a mixed season so far. In a couple of matches, he went for a lot of runs and in the other matches, he kept the opposition batsmen at bay. He was instrumental in Kings XI's win over Delhi Daredevils as he bowled a brilliant penultimate over and sealed the match for his team.
Ankit Rajpoot replaced an experienced Mohit Sharma in the game against Kolkata Knight Riders and was sent on a leather hunt. He came back strongly in the game against Delhi and won the Man of the match for his heroics with the ball. He is likely to retain his place in the side for the game against Sunrisers.
Mujeeb ur Rahman has been one of the finds of the tournament, picking up wickets at regular intervals and keeping the opposition's run-rate in check as well. He will continue to lead the spin-charge for KXIP for the rest of the season as well.
SRH vs KXIP Live Score
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