IPL 2018: Sunil Gavaskar feels SRH have lost the momentum after a great start

After some thrilling and exciting encounters in the league stages, the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018 has finally entered in the final phase, where the top four teams will be fighting really hard to win the coveted title. Both Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will be getting two opportunities to qualify for the finale match.

While the other two teams, Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will be facing each other in the eliminator game. However, former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar feels that SRH seemed to have lost the winning momentum in the past few games.

The Sunrisers are currently placed on the top position of the points tally after the end of the league stages of the tournament. The 2016 IPL champions had a great season with their skipper Kane Williamson leading the team from the front with the bat and the bowling unit contributed with match-winning performances on regular basis. However, after certifying their qualification into the playoffs, SRH have lost all of their last 3 games and the bowling attack which was its strength came under the scanner in the past few games.

SRH losing the steam after a superb start

In the first qualifier game later today, Sunrisers will be against CSK, who are coming after a sensation win against the Kings XI Punjab in their last league match. Gavaskar mentioned in his piece that SRH has lost the winning momentum due to three straight losses in the last 3 games, which may have also jolted the confidence of the side. On the other hand, CSK has already come back hard after their loss to Delhi.

“Sunrisers have lost some steam as they have lost their last three games while the loss to Delhi seems to have given Chennai just the jolt they needed. It’s hard to predict a winner but going by the league results it could well be another finish in the final over,” wrote Gavaskar in his piece for TOI.

The former Indian cricketer, who is also part of the commentary panel in the tournament, noted that Shikhar Dhawan coming back to form will certainly be a positive aspect for SRH entering the crucial playoffs stage. He also reckoned that the likes of Manish Pandey and Shakib Al Hasan need to deliver with the bat at this stage of the tournament.

“Shikhar Dhawan has regained his touch and Williamson has never batted as well in the IPL as he has done this season. Manish Pandey and Shakib will need to lift their game for the final stage of the tournament,” further noted the former Indian cricketer.

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