IPL 2018, RCB vs SRH: Predicted XI for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)

The first team to ensure qualification into the playoffs, Sunrisers Hyderabad, would ideally want to stay in the top two.

They look like an well-oiled machine and after boasting of a brilliant bowling attack, they have also shown the ability to put their heads down and chase down big totals.

We take a look at how they would line up against the Royal Challengers Bangalore at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Alex Hales has not been having an entirely bright season but his form at the top of the order holds crucial for SRH, especially because they want a rapid start from him which allows Shikhar Dhawan and Kane Williamson to play according to their own pace.

Shikhar Dhawan is now back in form after he ran out it owing to an injury and this is music to SRH's ears. He looks to be timing the ball brilliantly and has also shown the penchant to bat big and deep and take the match to the opposition.

Kane Williamson has been the biggest positive for SRH, both as the leader and as a batsman. He has slammed shut all the detractors who doubted his ability as a T20 player as he has not only produced match-winning innings but has also displayed a wide array of strokes and the ability to accelerate at will.

Manish Pandey is the one big worry for SRH as he has not been able to come to the fore and has not hit his stride so far. However, the time is ripe for him to erase the flaws and hit the ground and get back to his best before the playoffs.

Shakib Al Hasan has rendered brilliant balance with the ball and with the bat for SRH. He is an able finisher and almost always picks up wickets in the powerplays and during the middle overs.

Yusuf Pathan might find a place back in the squad after injury ruled him out of the previous match. He has been batting well and is cameos at the end have won matches for his side. His presence and batting ability are exactly what SRH want.

Shreevats Goswami was drafted in after Wriddhiman Saha was ruled out injured and has been quite safe behind the stumps. Although he is a batsman of pedigree, he has not got any chance to display his credentials with the willow so far.

Rashid Khan has been one of the beacons for SRH and is their X-factor with the ball. With his leg-breaks and googlies, he has bamboozled batsmen and has been picking up wickets for fun this season. For Williamson, he is the go-to bowler when the going gets tough and more often than not he responds brilliantly.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been another critical cog for SRH and has been like a bank for captain Kane, both with the new and old ball. He hit his straps with a superb over in the previous match against the Royal Challengers Bangalore and will once again be a threat.

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. A perfect foil for Bhuvneshwar, Kaul has also picked up many crucial wickets at important times for his side.

Sandeep Sharma relies on swing and seam and often is brilliant in the powerplay and looks to pick up wickets. He is also very tight and seldom gives away easy runs which allows pressure to be built. Also, he can be trusted towards the end with his variations and yorkers.

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