IPL 6: Match 54- SRH vs CSK- Sunrisers Hyderabad Preview

Fresh from a comfortable win over the struggling Delhi Daredevils in their last home game, SRH will dearly hope that the momentum stays with them going into today’s match against the mighty CSK at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad. They have won all their home games so far. Despite that, toppling the table toppers CSK might be a difficult proposition for them. However, CSK are coming from a shameful defeat at the hands of MI in their last game, in which they were bowled out for a mere 79 while chasing 140. Currently, SRH are in 5th place with 7 wins so far, and will look to consolidate their position with a win today.

Although they have done reasonably well this season, their batting has not been up to the mark. Shikhar Dhawan has been ominous for SRH since his return, and is well capable of taking the game away from CSK whilst opening the batting. However, other batsmen have not contributed significantly barring some reasonable performances here and there. Skipper Kumara Sangakkara hasn’t found his touch so far and needs to contribute significantly in the coming games. Their opening woes continue to haunt them considering Parthiv Patel’s inability to cross his 20s more often. Local Indian talents like Ashish Reddy and Hanuma Vihari have fizzed out a bit after showing some initial spark. Darren Sammy and Thisara Perera will have to take up the responsibility of steering the ship through the middle overs and finishing it with a flourish.

SRH’s bowling has arguably been the best among all the teams in the IPL this season. Dale Steyn and Ishant Sharma have been doing a pretty good job with the new ball. The very potent leg-spinning duo of Amit Mishra and Karan Sharma will be expected to provide some crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs. Thisara Perera is the other fast bowling option with his clever changes of pace. They have to be at the top of their game against a batting line-up loaded with big-hitters like Michael Hussey, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni and Dwayne Bravo.

Conditions:

The pitch here has been very slow and low so far, and is expected to behave no different today. Batsmen might find it hard to time the ball, but those ready to bide their time at the crease can pile up some significant scores.

Head to head:

CSK are the clear favourites here, winning 7 games out of the 11 played between the two teams combining all the seasons. SRH could manage to win only 4 of them.

Key players:

Shikhar Dhawan- This stylish southpaw has boosted SRH in a big way since his return. He has already scored a few quickfire fifties at the top of the innings, and will be expected to continue with his good form today as well.

Dale Steyn- This South African pacer is currently the best fast bowler in the world and will be expected to deliver most of the times. He has been very economical so far and is a big reason why other teams could not manage huge scores against SRH more often this year.

SRH’s strategy:

Considering most of their wins have come while chasing, they should look to bowl first upon winning the toss. CSK have played more on placid wickets so far, and they might find themselves in an unknown territory if prompted to bat first on a slow turning track.

Possible XI:

They have been winning every game at home this year. This might make the team management’s job of selecting the best possible XI tonight much easier. They are likely to field the same side that played in the last game.

Shikhar Dhawan, Parthiv Partel(wk)/PA Reddy, Ashish Reddy, Kumara Sangakkara(c), Thisara Perera, Hanuma Vihari, Darren Sammy, Amit Mishra, Karan Sharma, Dale Steyn and Ishant Sharma.