IPL 2019 – Match 38: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders – SRH Predicted Playing XI

In their last game, the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have defeated the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) who have been ruling the IPL 2019 thus far. It comes as a huge sigh of relief for the ‘Orange Army’ because they lost three games on the trot before this one. However, tougher times lie ahead for them as they host the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for their next encounter on Sunday.

While the bowlers have been doing a splendid job for the team, batting still seems to be reliant on the David Warner-Jonny Bairstow combo. The Sunrisers have got some thinking to do as a win is equally important for KKR as it is for them at this stage of the tournament. So, will they make amendments to their eleven or go on with the existing one?

Here is the Predicted Playing XI for the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH):

Openers (David Warner, Jonny Bairstow (wk))

David Warner was unstoppable in the last game against CSK. He started attacking the bowlers right from the first ball and it was a delight watching him play that way. Earlier in the previous two games, he took a careful approach which didn’t pay dividends. But with the target being low, he set the chase up with a beautiful fifty within the powerplay.

It was Jonny Bairstow who took the onus to finish the game for his team. He batted with a lot of responsibility and it was an equally great sight watching him go about his business. The two will have to play similar knocks if SRH is to win against the dangerous KKR.

Middle Order (Kane Williamson (c), Deepak Hooda, Yusuf Pathan)

Kane Williamson is yet to get back to his best. He didn’t get those big runs in the recent home season for New Zealand as well. It is important for him to catch up with some good touch as the World Cup is approaching. He will bat at three but needs to play a long innings.

Deepak Hooda and Yusuf Pathan are the two big hitters of the cricket ball SRH has got. Hooda was impressive in the last game where he ensured that he kept one end tight right till the end. Unfortunately, he couldn’t hit the winning runs for his team. Yusuf Pathan didn’t get an opportunity to face a ball in the last match.

All Rounders (Vijay Shankar, Rashid Khan)

Vijay Shankar will bat at number three in this line-up and might also need to bowl a few overs if required. He is a highly talented cricketer alright. But he has to back it up with some consistent performances. His shot selection wasn’t impressive in the last two or three games and needs to be careful about it. The all-rounder has got to pick his bowlers to target instead of trying to go after the in-form bowlers.

Rashid Khan is more of a bowling all-rounder but can smash a few into the orbits with the ball. He has been bowling brilliantly for his team and is one of the biggest strengths. The Afghan spinner is very economical and picked up two wickets against CSK. The responsibility to stop someone like Andre Russell lies on him.

Bowlers (Shahbaz Nadeem, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Sandeep Sharma, Khaleel Ahmed)

Shahbaz Nadeem conceded 24 runs in the two overs that he bowled in the last match. But he is likely to get another opportunity to prove his potential. With some quality left-handers available in the KKR line-up, he needs to be smart about the way he bowls. Bhuvneshwar Kumar will be the leader of the bowling attack.

He has been finding his rhythm, of late and is bowling it in the right areas. Bhuvi will be looking forward to the contest against Russell and he’s usually had a good record against Sunil Narine as well. Sandeep Sharma and Khaleel Ahmed will be the other two players in the SRH eleven.

Get the latest Cricket News and updates from the Indian Premier League (IPL), Match Predictions, Fantasy Cricket Tips and lots more on CricTracker.com.