IPL 2017 SRH vs KXIP: Sunrisers Hyderabad's probable playing XI today against Kings XI Punjab, Match 18

With two wins and two defeats each, the Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kings XI Punjab have lost their place at the top of the table and slid to the middle. The evening game at Hyderabad presents them with a chance to arrest the slide. Last year’s champions Sunrisers got off to the perfect start with two consecutive wins, before suffering back to back thrashings. The Kings XI have also had similar bearings to their result, hurtling to consecutive losses after two wins straight.

Here’s a look at what the possible line-up could be:

David Warner

The run machine at the top of the order for Sunrisers, the Australian has been the reason for getting the Orange Army to some brisk starts in the initial overs. His captaincy as also been good, but there is too much dependence on him to score the initial runs. Shikhar DhawanThe less adventurous of the two openers, Dhawan has not been able to hit the right tempos, which has resulted in the middle order getting very less chunk of the deliveries. A quicker approach could help

Moises HenriquesHenriques started off in blazing fashion, helping himself to half-centuries in the first two innings, before an illness forced him to sit out for the third game. He returned to the line-up against Kolkata, and is expected to retain his place in the side.

Yuvraj SinghThe hard-hitting batsman found his rhythm in the first match of the IPL against RCB with a free flowing fifty, but hasn’t had enough opportunities to prove his worth. A shot at No.3 could be in the offing if the need arises.

Deepak HoodaOne of the many youngsters who have used the IPL as a springboard to achieve fame, Hooda may not get enough balls to play long innings. His role will be to provide late bursts at the end of the innings.

Naman OjhaHis keeping has been on point, he has taken some superb catches behind the stumps in the last two games, but Naman Ojha hasn’t been required much in a batting role. He needs to maintain his keeping form going into the match.

Bipul SharmaHe was little expensive in the last match, but will most likely retain his place in the XI. He might have to go the Pawan Negi way, doing the containing job in the middle overs and using the long handle to good effect while batting.

Bhuvneshwar KumarThe purple cap holder has been in scintillating form, consistently picking up wickets with his shrewd medium pace. His yorkers have been on point as well, making him a potent bowler at the death as well.

Rashid KhanThe find of the season for the IPL, this Afghanistan star has impressed one and all with his uncanny leg spin. His unique bowling action and clever changes allow him to stifle the flow of runs and take wickets regularly.

Mustafizur RahmanHe might not have got a game in the previous game, but Mustafizur could be inducted into the team for Sunrisers’ home game. He has not been in the best of form ever since returning from injury, but his off-cutters can be dangerous in any scenario of the game.

Ashish NehraThe old warhorse refuses to stop. He still has the nagging pace to trouble the batsmen, coupled with his clever variations in length and line. He will most likely share the new ball with Bhuvneshwar Kumar against the Kings XI.