IPL 2018: How Sunrisers Hyderabad can line-up against the defending Champions

Middle-order

Deepak Hooda has a point to prove this year

Manish Pandey

Having witnessed the top three batsmen get the job done, Manish Pandey was left waiting in the wings. But this time around, the T20 specialist would be getting his crack at the whip (or the willow, rather) by getting down at No.3.

Deepak Hooda

The 22-year old sensation was a key figure in Hyderabad's 2016 triumph but, suffered a dip in form last year, which saw him rack up only 78 runs in 10 innings and pick two wickets.

In the opener against Rajasthan Royals too, he was a mere passenger; denied an opportunity with both bat and the ball. However, there's still no reason to see him drop to the bench and, would be raring to open his account for the season in this game.

Wriddhiman Saha

An upbeat Saha last month, said he can bat anywhere in the line-up. But after Monday's game, it looks like the top order might be a tall order for him.

His wicket for only 5 runs, gave Rajasthan some hope, till Shikhar Dhawan came along and squished the last bean of it.

As the wicketkeeper though, few can hold a candle to him when he's on song. He could be useful to provide stability down the middle-order, from where he's enjoyed some of his best spells.