IPL 10, Eliminator, SRH v KKR – Sunrisers Hyderabad Predicted XI

Sunrisers Hyderabad have gone one step closer to defending their title by qualifying for the playoffs. They were struggling at one point but did well to win their last two games to ensure that they finish third in the points table with 17 points. They now go head to head with Gambhir’s KKR at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Sunrisers’ season has been a mixed one. While they maintained their dominance at home, SRH’s away record wasn’t up to the standards of a champion side. They lost four games out of the six completed away games this year. Incidentally, this will be the first game of the season for SRH at the Chinnaswamy as their away game against RCB was washed out. SRH needs to step up in this game for a loss here will eliminate them out of the race for a possible second title.

KKR, on the other hand, haven’t had a good run in the last five games as they have won just one game. After game number 36, KKR was ranked No. 1 in the points table but a run-in with SRH away from home started a string of losses. They need to start afresh and go at full pelt for Sunrisers will come hard at them in this clash like they did at Hyderabad a few days ago.

Chinnaswamy Stadium will be agog to witness this high-intensity game. Let us have a look at the Predicted XI of Sunrisers Hyderabad:

Openers (David Warner and Shikhar Dhawan)

With 24 sixes and 61 fours, David Warner is the highest scorer this year, and by some distance. He has 604 runs to his name and nobody has breached the 500-run mark apart from the Australian. Warner has been at his brutal best and a lot will depend on how he goes about his business at the top of the order. His calm 69* ensured that SRH beat Gujarat to qualify for the playoffs. An average of 60.4 and strike rate of almost 145 this year suggests that the KKR bowlers may go for a leather hunt in Bengaluru.

Dhawan has given good company to his skipper this year. With 468 runs in 13 innings, the India opener is the second highest run-getter this season. His game has improved as the season has gone by which finally culminated into an India recall for the ICC Champions Trophy. Dhawan has a big responsibility of playing second fiddle to Warner and take the charge if Warner gets dismissed early.

Middle Order (Moises Henriques, Yuvraj Singh, Vijay Shankar and Naman Ojha)

Henriques has been consistent with the bat but the inclusion of Williamson pushed him down the order. With Williamson now away for national duty, Henriques will again get to bat at No. 3 in this game. He averages 46.16 after 11 innings scoring three half-centuries and his strike rate of 136.45 has also been decent. His bowling, though, is way better than his alarming numbers of this season. With experience under his belt, Henriques will surely raise his game to another level for this knockout clash with both bat and ball.

Yuvraj missed the last encounter due to a finger injury which he sustained against Mumbai Indians last week. The stylish left-hander has had a reasonable season hitting two half-centuries. His strike rate of 144.64 shows that he has batted freely this year; contributing for his team’s cause at crucial junctures.

Vijay Shankar has grabbed his chances with both hands this year. His 63* in the last game helped Sunrisers to get past a tricky chase of 155. He will bat at No. 5 in this game and can be promoted ahead of Yuvraj if Sunrisers lose two wickets early in the innings.

All-rounder (Mohammad Nabi)

Nabi is expected to play this game in order to counter the threat of Narine as well as Gautam Gambhir, both left-handers. His off-spinners have been very effective and tidy this year, though he has played just 3 games. Nabi’s economy rate of 5.27 in these three games has stood out considering the fact that he has never played in such a high-pressure environment before. He can also contribute with the bat late down the order.

Bowlers (Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rashid Khan, Mohammed Siraj and Siddharth Kaul)

Along with skipper Warner, Bhuvneshwar Kumar holds the key for the defending champions. Kumar is enjoying a second consecutive dream season with the ball as he has picked up 25 wickets from 13 games, much higher than the second ranked Unadkat who has 21. The fact that Bhuvi can pick wickets with the new as well as the old ball sets him apart from his peers. An economy rate of 6.97 speaks volume about his control and smartness.

Rashid Khan has been as cool as a cucumber this year. Neither did the pressure of his high price tag nor playing in front of huge crowds affected this 18-year old. Warner has often thrown the ball at him when sides have gotten off to a quick start and the Afghani has always been equal to the task bowling inside the first six overs. 17 wickets at an economy rate of 6.67 from 13 games are excellent returns for someone who has played his first season in the IPL. His 3/34 against Gujarat was critical in restricting them for 154.

Man of the Match in the last game for his 4/32 must have given immense confidence to local boy Siraj. The 23-year old has shown great attitude and a big heart for a fast bowler. With Nehra being a doubtful starter, Siraj is set to play this knockout clash. Heavily built, Siraj has a great yorker which is tough to put away for runs during the end overs.

Siddharth Kaul has been a revelation this year. His control over the knuckle ball, apart from his seam-up deliveries, has been heartening to watch. With 16 sticks from 9 games, Kaul has been a wicket-taking bowler. His ability to bowl the wide yorker has also impressed many. The Punjab bowler has finally come of age this season after remaining on the sidelines for a few years. He is expected to play a key role against KKR.

SRH has momentum on their side hence they start as favourites. KKR is too good a side to be written off and Warner is wary of that. Both teams have chased well this year which makes the toss all the more important.