The exciting long weekend will continue with another classic as Chennai Super Kings will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Both the teams entered the tournament as favourites, however, couldn’t seem to strike the right combination as of now. But it’s still initial days of the tournament, cricket fans know both of these heavyweights can bounce back at any time.
CSK is coming off a disappointing loss against Delhi Capitals. But the much needed time off may have given them the time to reiterate some of their weaknesses.
SRH, on the other hand, is coming off the first win of their tournament. They seem to have found the right combination at least for now.
Chennai Super Kings
CSK has been struggling with its combination. The top order hasn’t been contributing. Shane Watson has been getting starts but hasn’t been able to convert them into the fifties. The middle-order with Ruturaj Gaikwad and Kedar Jadhav haven’t been contributing that much as well. This puts unnecessary pressure on Faf Du Plessis. Skipper MS Dhoni must consider promoting himself up the order as well.
As per bowling is concerned, CSK has finally achieved a strong pace bowling combination. Deepak Chahar, Sam Curran, and Josh Hazelwood have looked phenomenal. Their spin bowling, however, has struggled. CSK may consider replacing Piyush Chawla with Karn Sharma.
Sunrisers Hyderabad
SRH, on the other hand, seems to have finally found a combination. They were struggling with their middle-order but the addition of Kane Williamson has sorted it out. Rashid Khan found some form in his last match as well. Newcomer Natarajan has been good in death. However, spearhead Bhuvaneshwar Kumar hasn’t looked in form.
Fantasy XI League
FAF DU PLESSIS (9) (C) – Du Plessis is coming off two phenomenal fifties. He scored 72 of just 37 balls with 7 sixes against RR. He’ll again be my captain.
DAVID WARNER (10.5) (VC) – David Warner has been in phenomenal form and has been consistent as well. He’ll be my vice-captain.
JOHNNY BAIRSTOW (9.5) – Bairstow has been in great form as well. He has adapted an anchor role and thus scores big.
MANISH PANDEY (9) – Manish Pandey has been in great form and has been given a new role of leading the middle-order.
SHANE WATSON (9.5) – Watson has been getting some good starts. However, he’ll have to convert them into something big.
SAM CURRAN (8.5) – Curran bowled really well and also scored a match-winning cameo in their first match against MI. Dhoni likes the idea of promoting him depending upon the situation.
KANE WILLIAMSON (9.5) – Williamson can play each role. He can attack using traditional cricket shots taking minimal risks.
RASHID KHAN (9.5) – Rashid Khan is one of the best T20 bowlers in the world. And most importantly, he has found form.
DEEPAK CHAHAR (8.5) – Chahar has been contributing with crucial wickets especially in the powerplay overs.
JOSH HAZLEWOOD (8.5) – Hazlewood impressed everybody with his tight bowling.
T. NATARAJAN (8) – Natarajan has impressed everyone with his death bowling. He justified himself being picked over Khaleel Ahmed, Siddharth Kaul, and Basil Thampi.
PREDICTION
Both teams have their own loopholes and limitations. However, working around them is the job of a captain and MS Dhoni masters in it. SRH is short of a fifth bowler. They cannot expect Abhishek Sharma to give them 4 overs under any pitch or circumstances. CSK will definitely study those weaknesses and capitalize on them. CSK will therefore defeat SRH.
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