IPL 2018, Sunrisers Hyderabad probable playing XI against Rajasthan Royals
Sunrisers Hyderabad has been in great form and is currently placed at 2nd position. Their bowling has been brilliant having defended, 118 and 132 in 2 consecutive matches. Their batting is yet to deliver the goods. SRH will want their batsmen to fire and ensure that the bowlers aren't under pressure, again.
SRH will be up against Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium. They played against each other previously, on the 9th of April. SRH won that encounter by 9 wickets.
Here's a look at the XI players who might take the field against a dangerous Rajasthan Royals.
Shikhar Dhawan: He came into the tournament on the back of an impressive outing for India in the limited overs series'. He continued the good form and had a couple of good outings before he was struck on the elbow against the Kings XI Punjab. The southpaw from Delhi has looked off-color since, he has returned from the injury. SRH will need him to fire on all cylinders if, they want to win this match.
Alex Hales: He is expected to play his first match for the 'Orange Army' against RR. He is a destructive opening batsman and he should be drafted into the XI to strengthen the batting line-up.
Kane Williamson (Captain): He has been in prolific form throughout the tournament, having scored 259 runs in 7 matches at an impressive strike rate of 130. The Kiwi will play a key role for SRH and they will depend on him to score runs.
Manish Pandey: He has had a mixed season for SRH so far. He has scored 142 runs at a poor strike rate of 114 in the tournament. He should score his runs at a good strike rate and ensure that his team has the ability to chase or put on a big score.
Shakib Al Hasan: The Bangladeshi has been in great form with both the bat and ball for the Hyderabad based franchise. He has scored vital runs in the middle order and picked up 8 wickets. He must deliver yet another all-round performance if, the Sunrisers' want to continue their winning streak.
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Yusuf Pathan: The veteran batting all-rounder has been in decent form with the bat having scored 145 runs at a strike rate of 128. He will be expected to play the role of a finisher and give SRH a boost at the end of the inning.
Wriddhiman Saha (WK): He has been in poor form with the bat this season. He has failed to go beyond 24 runs this season. He might be played as a specialist keeper and he will not be required with the bat if, Hales is drafted into the playing XI.
Rashid Khan: He has had a good time in this year's edition of Vivo IPL. He had a good outing in the first 3 matches before being taken apart for 55 runs and 49 runs in 2 consecutive matches. He returned with a different mindset for the next 2 matches and picked up 5 wickets. The Afghan spinner will play a key role for SRH in the afternoon match of the double-header.
Basil Thampi: The fast bowler from Kerala was drafted into the playing XI after Bhuvneshwar Kumar sustained an injury. The pacer has lived up to the expectations and picked up 4 wickets in 2 matches, including the crucial wickets of Suryakumar Yadav and Chris Gayle.
Siddharth Kaul: He has been in great form and has been Sunrisers' leading wicket taker. He has picked up 9 wickets in 7 matches and has an economy rate of 7.07. He is placed 3rd on the Purple Cap list and SRH will be hoping that he continues his good form.
Sandeep Sharma: The Patiala-born speedster has performed very well in the limited opportunities he has gotten in this season. He has picked up 5 wickets in 3 matches and his economy rate of 4.63 is superb. SRH will hope that he can provide them with an early breakthrough.
Note: There is no update on Bhuvneshwar Kumar's fitness levels. Hence, he hasn't been included in the probable playing XI.