IPL 2018, SRH vs DD: 5 player battles to look forward to 

With their backs to the wall, Delhi Daredevils changed captains and have now recorded 2 wins in their last three games to give themselves a chance of making it to the top 4. However, tonight they will be up against the table-toppers Sunrisers Hyderabad, who also boast of the tournament’s best bowling attack.

It is an understatement to say that it is going to be a trial by fire for DD but considering the fact that they need to win at least 4 out of their last 5 games, they have no option but to play out of their skins and produce a game worthy of the occasion. The results of the game will, of course, be decided by some of the individual battles that will take place tonight at Hyderabad and here is a look at 5 of the most important ones.

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#5 Siddharth Kaul v Glenn Maxwell

The SRH fast bowler has been one of the most important constituents of the team’s bowling machinery throughout the tournament and Siddharth Kaul’s performance in the latter part of the DD innings is going to be a pivotal passage in the game. He is the highest wicket-taker for the team so far with 11 scalps and his economy rate of 6.87 places Kaul among the best bowlers in the tournament. He can bowl fast when he wants to but his variations and accuracy have been equally weapons in his armory.

On the other hand, DD’s big money recruit Glenn Maxwell has been in abysmal form so far and in this run of games, they would want their middle-order power hitter to string together a few good performances. The Australian is averaging only 16.37 and his highest score is 47. However, if he does get going then SRH might have a tough time on their hands and that is why his battle with Kaul is such an exciting prospect. The SRH bowler has come up trumps against most batsmen in the tournament so far and Maxwell will be a new challenge. It could end up being a vital duel.

#4 Bhuvneshwar Kumar v Prithvi Shaw

The SRH pace spearhead’s return to the XI for tonight’s game makes their bowling attack infinitely stronger and Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s early encounter with teenage star Prithvi Shaw is going to one to watch out for. Sending the right-handed batsman to the top of the order has proven to be an excellent move for DD and in 4 games so far, he has made 140 runs at an average of 35. More importantly, he has recorded a strike rate of 166.66. However, what is noteworthy is the fact that Shaw has been superb against fast bowling and has recorded a strike rate of 181.4 against the faster bowlers.

Hence, his battle against one of the world’s best medium-fast bowlers is going to be a very interesting watch. Kumar has recorded a brilliant economy rate of only 6.86 in 4 games so far and has picked up 6 wickets. His accuracy, movement and ability to bowl yorkers will make him a fresh new challenge for Shaw. Last but not the least, it might have a big effect on the game if the DD batsman can get on top of SRH’s premier pacer.

#3 Shakib Al Hasan v Shreyas Iyer

The new DD captain has been in fine form for much of this tournament and has scored four half-centuries (including an unbeaten 93) already in 9 games so far. Shreyas Iyer is averaging 51.16 and striking at 154.27 at number 3 for DD and he will be a vital player tonight as his take on the finest bowling attack in the IPL this season. He has the technique to hold is own against most attacks and that is what makes him such an important player.

One of the most intriguing battles tonight will be the one between the DD captain and SRH’s Shakib Al Hasan. The Bangladeshi all-rounder has emerged as one of the best spinners in the IPL so far and his fast, accurate left-arm spin has been difficult to get away for most teams. The sort of control that he provides in the middle-overs has been a big factor in SRH defending paltry totals. Hasan has taken 8 wickets and recorded an economy rate of 7.21 in 8 games. Iyer can be excellent against spin but tonight he will be faced with a completely new challenge and this is a duel that will almost certainly have a huge bearing on the DD batting effort.

#2 Alex Hales v Trent Boult

The big-hitting Englishman came in as the replacement for SRH captain David Warner and played his first game in the team’s victory over Rajasthan Royals last week. Alex Hales made a patient 45 and laid the foundation for the likes of Williamson to take the team to a par score. Tonight, he will be up against one of the world’s best fast bowlers in the form of DD’s Trent Boult and if he can get on top of him early on, then the SRH would definitely have a higher chance of walking away with the win.

That being said, the left-arm fast bowler can also give DD the advantage if he can get rid of Hales early on and if that happens, then there is every chance of the SRH innings getting a bit derailed early on. The stakes are quite high when it comes to this particular battle and considering the talents of both these players, it promises to be an absorbing watch.

#1 Rashid Khan v Rishabh Pant

At the time of writing, Rishabh Pant is the second highest run-maker in the tournament and he is going to be a big factor if DD are to make it to the top 4. The wicketkeeper-batsman is not only averaging 41.66 but is also making runs at an astonishing strike rate of 180.28 and that is what makes him such a dangerous batsman for any opposition. The game can slip away very quickly if he stays at the crease for too long.

The left-hander takes on fast bowlers and spinners alike from the start and in tonight’s game, he will be up against the IPL’s most difficult attack. However, the battle that everyone would be most looking forward to is the one he is going to have against SRH’s star leg-spinner Rashid Khan. After a slight dip in form, the Afghan has roared back into form and was largely responsible for SRH’s defensive excellence against Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab. His variations, changes in pace and length are going to be a challenge for Pant and it would be interesting to see how the youngster plays his natural game tonight.