IPL 2018, CSK vs SRH: Predicted XI for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) against Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

By far, Sunrisers Hyderabad have been the best team of the tournament. They have been absolutely brilliant and at the moment they are the only side that has booked a playoffs spot. They have the best bowling attack in this tournament and have defended some low scores. In fact, they’ve never lost a game this year batting first.

If there was one concern for SRH, then it was chasing down big totals as their batting line-up wasn’t in the best of forms. However, even that box has been ticked as they chased down 188 comfortably in their last game against Delhi Daredevils. Thus, with 18 points they are sitting pretty at the top and will be looking to consolidate the top position and look to finish in the top two.

Thus, let’s have a quick look at how SRH might line-up against Chennai Super Kings in their 12th game:

Alex Hales has been a touch scratchy at the top of the order for SRH. He started with a couple of 45s (which did have a good impact on the game) but hasn’t been able to produce consistent performances. But SRH will back the England opener to come good in the coming games.

It was a happy return to form for Shikhar Dhawan in the last game. After a string of low scores, Dhawan produced a Man of the match performance as the 32-year-old Indian opener struck an excellent 50-ball 92. His form was a worrying SRH a little bit, but with him scoring runs and showing positive signs, it will reduce the pressure on Kane Williamson.

Kane Williamson has been a revelation as a T20 batsman in this IPL. A lot of people not have deemed him as a good enough T20 player, but he is proving his critics wrong. He’s carried the SRH batting line-up throughout this season.

The New Zealand skipper has amassed 493 runs and has also hit 6 fifties in the tournament. He has also led the side wonderfully and he will look to continue his good form and lead from the front.

Currently, Manish Pandey’s form might be the only cause of concern for the ‘Men in Orange’. He’s had an underwhelming season so far. Despite scoring a couple of half-centuries, he’s struggled to get going and hasn’t been able to deliver the goods. But SRH will be hoping that the Karnataka batsman can find form ahead of the all-important playoffs.

Shakib Al Hasan has provided wonderful balance to the team. He’s been a bit scratchy with the bat, but with the ball, he’s has been very good. He’s taken 12 wickets in 11 games. He has bowled in the powerplay and in the middle and has kept things relatively quiet. Thus, Shakib will continue to provide the balance and continue his good form.

Yusuf Pathan is SRH’s third highest run-getter this season and this is a stat that might take a lot of people by surprise. But Yusuf has been finding ways to contribute almost every game. If it was the wicket of Ben Stokes against RR, then it was the catch of Virat Kohli in the game against RCB. He’s also been decent with the bat and has provided finishing touches as and when required.

Shreevats Goswami was drafted in after Wriddhiman Saha pulled out of the last game due to a shoulder problem. Although Goswami didn’t get to bat, he was decent behind the stumps and with Saha not yet fully fit, he should continue to hold onto his spot.

Rashid Khan has been brilliant in this IPL and is SRH’s joint-highest wicket-taker this season. After getting hit in two games (against KXIP and CSK) in the middle-stage of the tournament, Rashid has come storming back and has been almost unplayable. He has been economical and has also picked up vital wickets. The 19-year-old Afghan leggie will continue to lead the spin attack for SRH.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has not quite hit his straps this season. He’s been good but he has also leaked a few runs in a couple of games. After a brilliant outing against RCB where he was superb at the death, Bhuvneshwar Kumar was hit all around the park against DD in the last game. However, he will continue to lead SRH’s bowling attack.

Siddarth Kaul has now been an integral part of the famed SRH bowling attack over the past couple of seasons. This year, he’s taken more responsibility with Bhuvneshwar Kumar sitting out for a few games. Along with Bhuvneshwar, he’s been brilliant at the death and has been among the wickets. He has taken 13 wickets in 11 games.

Sandeep Sharma didn’t feature in the playing XI at the start of the season. But injuries to Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Billy Stanlake meant the Punjab pacer got more opportunities and has been preferred over Basil Thampi in the last few games.

He has been the most economical bowler in this IPL (he has an economy of 5.37). SRH have mostly used him in the powerplay and in the middle-overs and have finished his quota early.

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