Series: Indian Premier League, 2016 Venue: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad Date & Time: Apr 18, 08:00 PM LOCAL
Sunrisers Hyderabad players during a practice session in Hyderabad.
Sunrisers Hyderabad versus Mumbai Indians: pick your XI
Remember, Mumbai Indians lost four to five matches consecutively last year but went on to lift the title.
These are two demoralised teams. Sunrisers Hyderabad have not yet to
open their account in this IPL, while the defending champions have one
win against their name in three matches.
But before you give weight to that, remember that Mumbai Indians lost
four to five matches consecutively last year but went on to lift the
title.
Mumbai Indians
The team has a strong batting line-up. But when captain Rohit Sharma
fails at the top, the middle-order is buckling under pressure.
I don't know why Rohit Sharma persists with Hardik Pandya at the crucial
No.3 spot ahead of Ambati Rayudu. It is understandable if the Mumbai
Indians openers have a good start and to sustain the run rate, Rohit
sends in Hardik Pandya. But if a wicket falls early, it is better to
send Rayudu at No.3.
The team lost its opening match against debutants Rising Pune
Supergiants, but came back strongly with a Rohit Sharma show against
Kolkata Knight Riders. Aaron Finch's consecutive third half-century
denied them a victory against Gujarat Lions.
Rohit Sharma may opt for Corey Anderson in place of Jos Buttler or even
Kieron Pollard. Corey Anderson can bat and is also a useful bowler. He
is in form, having performed well in the World T20 championships.
Rohit can also think of bringing in Martin Guptill for Lendl Simmons.
The Kiwi player has performed well in the World T20 championships. If
Pollard and Simmons are good batsmen but they have to deliver. Hardik
Pandya at No.5 can be a useful performer and can hit the ball a long way
at the lower half of the innings. His brother Krunal Pandya proved his
mettle against Gujarat Lions.
Tim Southee can be dangerous with a new ball, and he has also fared well
with the bat. With Lasith Malinga out of the game, Mumbai Indians has
to depend on Southee's prowess in his opening and last spells. It has
been a below-par performance from the offie Harbhajan Singh so far in
this tournament.
My possible Mumbai playing XI
Rohit Sharma (captain), Lendl Simmons or Martin Guptill, Ambati Rayudu,
Pollard or Anderson, Jos Buttler, Shreyas Gopal, Hardik Pandya, Krunal
Pandya, Harbhajan Singh, Southee and Bumrah.
Sunrisers Hyderabad
This side had not performed to its potential so far in this season.
David Warner has to make changes to his side, if they want to win from
here on.
Kane Williamson, who is in sublime form, has to be brought into the
scheme of things. Henriques might be a good all-rounder, but Kane
Williamson at No.3 can control the middle-order along with Eoin Morgan
and Naman Ojha. But for Morgan and Ojha, Sunrisers Hyderabad would not
have scored a competitive total against Kolkata Knight Riders.
Shikhar Dhawan has to fire at least against Mumbai Indians. With Gautam
Gambhir performing well, this match might be a fine platform for Dhawan
to cement his place in the Indian team.
With Yuvraj still to recover, the middle-order for the Hyderabad team is a little shaky.
David Warner showed his brilliance in the opening match but failed to
get going in the second match against Kolkata Knight Riders. Sunrisers
Hyderabad has lost to Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kolkata Knight
Riders in the previous encounters.
The bowling department looks good with the Bangladeshi Mustafizur Rahman
at his best. What a delivery to dismiss Andre Russell! No other bowler
has backed Rahman's efforts. Bhuvneshwar Kumar showed shades of
brilliance but was taken to the cleaners after his initial 6 or 7 balls.
If Ashish Nehra recovers for this match, then Warner might heave a sigh
of relief as the veteran left-armer is the prime bowler for his side.
Karn Sharma and Barinder Saran were a bit wayward. Karn Sharma, a good
spinner, has to prove his mettle in this match. If Nehra comes, the
youngster Saran has to make way. Trent Boult might also be a good
option.
My possible Sunrisers Hyderabad playing XI
David Warner (captain), Shikhar Dhawan, Naman Ojha, Eoin Morgan, Kane
Williamson or Moises Henriques, Ashish Reddy, Deepak Hooda or Yuvraj
Singh (if he is hit), Mustafizur Rahman, Bhuvneshwar Kumar or Abhimanyu
Mithun, Ashish Nehra or Barinder Saran and Karn Sharma
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