A lot to introspect before Sunrisers take on Bangalore
BANGALORE: The Sunrisers Hyderabad must have woken up to a gloomy morning on Sunday after the mauling at the hands of the Chennai Super Kings. Their collision with Brendon McCullum and MS Dhoni calls for a relook at strategy before their encounter with Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli here on Monday.
Even though one can sympathise with captain David Warner for not having the services of Kevin Pietersen who dropped out of the IPL to revive his England career, Saturday was not an aberration for the Sunrisers. Rather it was a confirmation that last year’s mistakes are being repeated this season.
The advantage they thought they had by buying Pietersen in the auction was lost after the explosive batsman gave precedence to his ambition to wear the lion-crested cap again.
Their woes were compounded when KL Rahul, a bright prospect in the longer format, was found wanting in his T20 technique. Walking in at No 4, Kane Wiliamson’s utility was lost due to his late arrival at the crease.
But captain Warner’s biggest problem was the absence of Dale Steyn, which coincided with Ishant Sharma’s errant ways and his long-standing problem with KEY PLAYERS
CHRIS GAYLE: The 56-ball 96 subdued Kolkata Knight Riders in RCB’s opener and showed the Jamaican remains as ruthless as ever. DAVID WARNER: Hyderabad lost to Chennai, but the Aussie hit a 42-ball 53 and will fancy his chances in the battle of left-handed openers.
HEAD TO HEAD Matches played
Royal Challengers won Sunrisers Hyderabad won Tied RC SH
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the no-ball. Alongside these happenings on the field, Warner’s captaincy relayed two things — lack of imagination and losing grip over the proceedings.
Before last year’s imminently forgettable events unfold once again, it is up to Warner to rework his plans, and that includes either Shikhar Dhawan or him playing out most of the overs so that they put enough runs on the board.
Gayle finding his mojo in the first match of the season, along with a cameo by AB de Villiers, will only boost the Challengers.