Both Kings XI Punjab and Sunrisers Hyderabad were expected to do much better , than what their league positions show presently. Kings XI had a well settled team which did so well last season, while Sunrisers had strengthened their squad with some good purchases at the auctions. But both teams have struggled so far. Another loss will leave them with a mountain to climb, as far as qualifying for the latter stages is concerned.
Kings XI will be relieved to be back to the familiar surroundings at Mohali, having lost all three matches at their makeshift home of Pune. Last season’s finalists have found the going tough this season, with the stars of last season out of touch. Glenn Maxwell was even dropped, to make way for Bailey in the last match. Whether he makes his comeback tonight will largely depend on the team’s decision on Mitchell Johnson.The pacer has once again gone into his periodic patches of woeful form, with his fielding also costing them big against CSK.Sandeep Sharma alone has looked good, with Anureet’s wicket taking also dried up.
The one relief for Kings XI will be that their opponents are not much better themselves and an early breakthrough to disrupt the opening pair will go a long way in helping their cause. SRH’s middle order and tailenders don’t look dangerous at all with too much burden being put on the shoulders of Warner and Dhawan. The bowling looks fine, though Boult could make way again to accommodate another batsman.
Kings XI will have the slight advantage playing at Mohali where they won six and lost only once last season. I would like to see Maxwell being brought back in. The small break seemed to have done Chris Gayle good and I expect the same for Maxwell.
srikantkk 