Shikhar doubtful as SRH face in-form Super Kings
HYDERABAD: Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) were hit by ‘Gaylestorm’ in their previous fixture and there might be no respite for the Kane Williamson-led side when they take on a rampaging Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal on Sunday.
Having found different matchwinners in their previous three wins in IPL — Dwayne Bravo, Ravindra Jadeja and Shane Watson — CSK have resumed from where they had left two years ago.
Even in their solitary defeat so far in IPL 2018, against Kings XI Punjab, CSK had captain MS Dhoni playing an innings that reminded everyone of his mettle despite critics saying his finishing powers are waning.
In the likely absence of opener Shikhar Dhawan, who suffered an elbow injury off the first ball he faced against KXIP in a game SRH lost by 15 runs, the IPL 2016 winners would need a power-hitter at the top. However, team mentor VVS Laxman said on Saturday that they have ‘enough luxury’ in the squad to make up for the possible loss.
Dhawan did not train with the SRH team on Saturday evening in a bid to give his injured elbow some more time to recuperate, having suffered the blow off a Barinder Sran delivery.
Williamson struck a fine halfcentury against KXIP but SRH would also want to address their bowling concerns after the likes of leg-spinner Rashid Khan were belted around the park.
Restricting opponents for modest totals and chasing them successfully was the norm for SRH until the game against KXIP, where they faltered with bat and ball.
Super Kings are turning out to be the toughest team to beat. After Bravo’s heroics against Mumbai and Dhoni’s masterclass against Punjab, it was Watson’s turn on Friday night as he demolished Rajasthan Royals with a 57-ball 106 followed by a miserly spell of 3-0-13-1.
CSK not only seem to have got their mix right, but with key players delivering, they have reached the top of the points table.