Overview:
We are into the 3rd week of the IPL and now we have an idea of how teams are shaping up and what are their combinations with all the teams getting players that they were waiting for from different parts of the world.
Gujarat Titans:
Gujarat Titans, who were considered the weakest team of the competition in the auctions, have surprised one and all with their performances, having won all the games that they have played so far. Hardik Pandya has certainly taken a leaf out of Rohit Sharma's books when it comes to captaincy. Nobody expected them to perform the way they did.
They would look to extend their unbeaten run when they face Sunrisers Hyderabad who have their own problems. Gujarat Titans are expected to go in with the same side and not tinker the winning combination. Their bowling line up is one of the best in the league where you have a world class spinner who can turn the ball on a glass. He will be up against his old team. There is Lockie Ferguson who is one of the best death bowlers in the world and to start off the innings they have the best new ball bowler in the country in Mohammad Shami.
Batting isn't heavy but Shubhman Gill has managed to perform to the best of his abilities and Hardik Pandya is playing some sensible cricket too.
Sunrisers Hyderabad:
Sunrisers Hyderabad on the other hand managed to beat Chennai in the last game but one should not read much into that game as Chennai have lost all their encounters this season.
Kane Williamson will look to score some runs after 3 forgetful innings. Once he starts scoring it will be easy for others to build their innings and then go hammer and tongs at the back end. Nicholas Pooran needs to start respecting the bowlers and not go after each and every delivery that he faces. Batting is thin but can get the job done. Best position for Kane is 3 where he can control the innings. Bowling has got venom but Dale Steyn needs to channelize the aggression in a way only he can. Umraan Malik has pace but no direction and accuracy. They still miss a quality spinner in the 11 which is the reason why someone like Shreyas Gopal should be drafted in the 11.
Coming off a win against Chennai, Kane Williamson would not want to change the winning combo. It promises to be an exciting contest. Kane Williamson facing Rashid Khan would be one of the contests everybody is dying to see. On the other hand, Umraan Malik against Shubhman Gill in the powerplay would be something most of the cricket fans would love to see.
Probable Playing XI:
Sunrisers Hyderabad:
Abhishek Sharma, Kane Williamson(C), Rahul Tripathi, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran(WK), Shashank Singh, Washington Sundar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Marco Jansen, Umran Malik, T Natarajan
Gujarat Titans:
Matthew Wade (WK), Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Hardik Pandya(C), David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Abhinav Manohar, Rashid Khan, Lockie Ferguson, Mohammed Shami, Darshan Nalkande
Weather and Pitch Report:
There’s a lot of grass on this pitch, there’s been a lot of moisture put on this ground by the ground staff. The wicket will not be quick, will be fairly easy-paced. What you want to avoid doing with the ball is bowling short. The spin bowlers could quite enjoy this wicket, there might be a bit of turn but it’ll be fairly slow turn, it won’t be explosive. Not a high-scoring venue today, 150-160 will be a good score for the side batting first.
Live Streaming:
Venue: Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Mumbai
Date &Time: April 11th at 7:30 PM IST and Local Time
Live Streaming on: Star Sports Network and Hotstar
Dream 11 Team:
