Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals
Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad, 03:30 PM
What to expect
A high-scoring game. The first game of the season at Uppal, with a fresh wicket and both teams boasting strong batting lineups. After an impressive run last season, where they reached the final, SRH have retained their core group and look just as formidable. With the addition of Ishan Kishan and Abhinav Manohar, their batting unit appears even more dangerous this year. The big question is how RR’s bowlers will contain the powerful SRH batting. While RR have quality bowlers, there is heavy reliance on Jofra Archer, who was inconsistent in the recent white-ball series against India. Adding to their concerns is the overdependence on their young Indian batting core. With Sanju Samson playing solely as a batter as he recovers from a finger injury, the onus falls on Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, and Nitish Rana to shoulder the responsibility. Meanwhile, RR’s batters won’t have it easy against the likes of Pat Cummins, Mohammed Shami, Harshal Patel, and Adam Zampa. However, the game is likely to be decided by how SRH bats. On what is expected to be a flat track, RR’s new-look bowling unit faces a daunting task.
Key battle
Jofra Archer has consistently troubled Travis Head on the international stage, dismissing him three times. Bowling around the wicket and targeting his body has proven effective for Archer. Head, known for his aggressive approach, is likely to throw his bat at everything. This battle in the first six overs could set the tone for the game.
SRH Likely XI
Head and Abhishek Sharma are set to open, with Kishan likely to slot in at No. 3. Zampa is expected to feature as the fourth overseas option. Harshal is also likely to start alongside Cummins and Shami.
Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan, Nitish Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen, Abhinav Manohar, Sachin Baby/Aniket Verma, Pat Cummins (c), Harshal Patel, Adam Zampa, Mohammed Shami. Impact sub – Rahul Chahar/Jaydev Unadkat.
RR Likely XI
With Samson playing as a specialist batter and Parag leading the team, the former could be used as an impact player. Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana have performed well when bowling in tandem, and with limited quality options in RR’s ranks, both are likely to start.
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag (c), Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, Shubham Dubey, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Tushar Deshpande, Sandeep Sharma. Impact sub – Sanju Samson.
Pitch and weather
The pitch has consistently been good for batting over the years, and that is unlikely to change. The pacers may get some early assistance, while the large boundaries will keep spinners in play. With it being an afternoon game, hot and humid conditions are expected. There is no rain forecast for match day.