IPL 6: Match 36 – RR vs SRH – Sunrisers Hyderabad Preview

Shikhar Dhawan’s return is good news for Sunrisers Hyderabad

After their recent run of good form was disrupted at Chennai, thanks to some late fireworks from Dhoni, Sunrisers Hyderabad travel to Jaipur in the hope of getting back to winning ways. But to do so, they would have to beat a Rajasthan Royals side that, much like SRH, have impressed many with their strong performances. Rajasthan Royals themselves are on a streak of 2 losses, although ones that have been against the top two sides in the table. With these two teams punching way above their weight, the game promises to be a classic.

The Sunrisers from Hyderabad have had their chances boosted with the return of Shikhar Dhawan from injury, who fired his way to an unbeaten half-century against Chennai Super Kings. With their batting woes haunting and hurting SRH several times already this IPL, the return of Dhawan gives a more well-rounded and complete look to a side that have so far relied on their bowling attack to win matches. The coach also has more options at his disposal with the return of Sri Lankan players Kumar Sangakkara and heavy hitter Thisara Perera, who could not play in Chennai.

Conditions:

The pitch at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium is good for batting and a high scoring contest seems likely, although the good bounce on the track does favour seamers. The hosts are yet to be beaten at this stadium this season.

Strategic analysis:

For the Rajasthan Royals, the top three in Rahul Dravid, Ajinkya Rahane and Shane Watson have been holding the batting unit together. Shane Watson in particular will be the man to watch out for. The key for Sunrisers would be to dismiss these three batsmen early.

The return of Sangakarra will most likely mean it is bench time for Quinton de Kock, who has been a disappointment in the two games where he has been given the nod. Parthiv Patel too has not been able to gather runs in the games he’s played, which should probably see Sangakarra play the game. Darren Sammy might also have to sit out to make way for the Sri Lankan all-rounder Thisara Perera, which’ll strengthen Hyderabad’s explosive power down the order.

Head-to-Head:

This is the first time that the newly formed Sunrisers Hyderabad face off against the champions of the first edition of the IPL.

Key Factor: Amit Mishra

The joint purple cap holder has been impressive so far for the SRH. With 14 wickets to his credit, the leg-spinner has been crucial coming in to bowl in the middle overs. His bowling partnership with the newcomer Karan Sharma was working well for the Sunrisers and he would be looking to carry that run of form into this game as well.

Probable XI:

Kumar Sangakarra(c), Shikhar Dhawan, Akshath Reddy, Hanuma Vihari, Ashish Reddy, Cameron White, Thisara Perera, Dale Steyn, Amit Mishra, Ishant Sharma, Karan Sharma .