IPL 2019: Match 33, SRH v CSK, Preview: Two riddles for Hyderabad to crack: Middle muddle & CSK

Orange outfits and Men in Yellow look to make a bigger impact with a win.

Published - 16 Apr 2019, 16:26 IST | Updated - 16 Apr 2019, 16:26 IST

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L, Wx3, Lx3. Looks like some math equations? No, this is Sunrisers Hyderabad’s form chart this season so far. SRH’s equation is pretty simple, they were at some point in time flying high but also stumbled more than even they were deserved to. In the southern derby match, SRH will lock horns with Chennai Super Kings at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad on Wednesday. Dhoni’s men are on a high with seven wins in eight encounters.

Breaking winning streak and halting winless run? This could be a question for Hyderabad franchise if they can break Chennai Super Kings’ back and be back on course. Considering the recent form, Sunrisers Hyderabad have been tangled in dilemma and dejection. Their main concern is the weak links in the middle, the dilemma is about their mid-order and dejection is due to their back-to-back three drubs.

Having home advantage, Hyderabad side will look to begin the end of the losing discomfort. SRH’s matches so far are not very thrilling as the ends seem to be smooth, irrespective of their loss or win. All the victories have come with big margins while the slumps have been much tougher to digest though. Misery is when Super Kings are loaded with machine guns like bowlers and SRH’s batting line-up is set with bats in disguise of plastic forks.

Team Combination

Sunrisers Hyderabad

With Kane Williamson back in the Sunrisers’ dressing room, but couldn’t make an impact in the previous match. It would be a challenge to face the CSK’s spin attack for SRH. There would be a balance if Jonny Bairstow can be sent down to stabilize the middle order. The captain of the ship should take responsibility from the front. Williamson should open with David Warner. Rashid Khan has got a monkey on his back, while the pace attack should make up for below average spinner’s spells.

Probable XI: Kane Williamson (c), David Warner, Vijay Shankar, Manish Pandey, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Deepak Hooda, Abhishek Sharma, Rashid Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed, Sandeep Sharma.

Chennai Super Kings

It is important for Shane Watson and Faf du Plessis to amass the score in the powerplay and for that they need to get back to the track. Harbhajan Singh comes in for Mitchell Santner. CSK looks to solidify their spin spells. The spinners have been the centre of attraction in a couple of previous matches.

Probable XI: Shane Watson, Faf du Plessis, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, Ravindra Jadhav, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Harbhajan Singh, Imran Tahir.

Toss Update: CSK won the toss and opted to bat

Focus will be on

Sunrisers Hyderabad: Kane Williamson

As someone once said, “Well begun is half done,” It is important for the skipper to be a front runner and give a good start along with in-form David Warner. The middle order hanging to the ends of ropes, Williamson should be back with a bang to prove his prowess. In the previous season, it was Williamson’s out-and-out display which guided SRH fly high. He should turn back the clock to keep up the pace with other teams.

Chennai Super Kings: Shane Watson

Shane Watson is hogging the limelight, not for all the right reasons. He has been scoring single digits from the few matches. On the other hand, Du Plessis is trying to give good starts so it will be Watson’s responsibility to play second fiddle.