Sunrisers Hyderabad take on Kolkata Knight Riders in the first match of the Wednesday double header at their not so lucky home ground in Vishakapattanam. Having lost both matches in front of their own fans, SRH will be hoping their overseas players can come good to overturn their fortunes, having won just one of their four matches. KKR, on the other hand, are looking confident, and barring the sole loss to Gayle-inspired RCB, sit pretty in 3rd spot in the IPL table.
The SRH problems arise from the fact that none of their players have had massive impact. They have been good in bits n piece but that match winning performance has been missing. Still searching for the winning combination, especially the fourth overseas player slot. Morgan’s failure could once again open the door for Kane Williamson or we could catch first glimpse of Moises Henriques. The bowlers have been tidy, but without much success. The batting too has failed to fire.They need to fight the right balance soon enough to avoid sliding down the table.
KKR’s triumph last season was mainly built around three players – Sunil Narine, Robin Uthappa and Shakib Al Hasan. The West Indian mystery spinner had to change his action since, and though economical, has picked up only two wickets. Uthappa is failing to built to his starts and Shakib is away on international duty. That KKR has won three and lost only once, speaks volumes of their strength. Skipper Gautam Gambhir has led from the front, with three half centuries and aggressive captaincy on the field. Yusuf Pathan and Suryakumar Yadav have chipped in with useful contributions, while Andre Russell has taken over the role of all rounder. Umesh Yadav and Morne Morkel are a potent opening bowling combination, picking up wickets at crucial junctures of the game. All seems well for KKR, and if Narine can get back to his best, they could go an yet another remarkable run.
srikantkk 