SRH vs KXIP Preview: The context
In this article we will be looking at the SRH vs KXIP preview, likely XI’s and make a prediction for our winner for today’s game.
If net run rate(NRR) were to be a primary criteria for deciding the IPL table instead of points gained, KXIP would take the third spot behind Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals.
Watch – SRH vs KXIP 2019 Match 48
In reality though, they are sitting at the bottom of the table with just one win from five games. They take on Sunrisers Hyderabad, in the 22nd game of the IPL 2020, who have won two out of five and take the number six spot.
Mujeeb in the reckoning?
While both teams are in dire need of a win, it is Punjab who need it more after the 10 wickets thrashing at the hands of last year finalists. Failing to take a single wicket against CSK, their bowling attack certainly needs a change. Mujeeb-ur Rahman could come in for either Chris Jordan or Sheldon Cottrell to provide some teeth into their attack in the middle overs.
Punjab’s batting has offered them some respite with both KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal in the top three of the tournament’s highest run getters chart. With Pooran also finding his feet, Punjab would hope Maxwell finds his touch as well to make it a formidable top 4.
Also, Read – IPL 2020 Preview: MI, RR, RCB, SRH
Break loose the shackles
SRH, on the other hand, have been plagued by injuries to some of their key players in Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mitchell Marsh. Despite the injuries they still have a more than decent attack which includes the ever reliable Rashid Khan, Natarajan, Abhishek Sharma, Sandeep Sharma. Siddharth Kaul may make way for Khaleel Ahmed who is expected to be fit after missing out the game against Mumbai on the weekend.
Watch – SRH vs KXIP 2019 Match 22
Their top order haven’t lived up to the lofty standards set in the last edition of the league. While they have occupied the crease and have scored runs, it has come at a very low strike rate of 128 against 164 in 2019 owing to team’s heavy reliance on top four. The management along with the skipper would be hoping to break free from the shackes, now that the lower middle order has shown them glimpses of their capabilities in the win against CSK.
Head to head: 10-4 in favour of SRH
Last five: 3-2 SRH’s favour
SRH vs KXIP Preview: Stat attack
*M Shami is two away from completing the 50 IPL wickets milestone
*M Pandey needs another 10 to join the 3000 IPL runs club
SRH vs KXIP Preview: Possible XI’s
Kings XI Punjab: KL Rahul (c), Mayank Agarwal, Mandeep Singh, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Sarfaraz Khan, Chris Jordon/Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Harpreet Brar/M Ashwin, Sheldon Cottrell, Mohammad Shami, Ravi Bishnoi
Sunrisers Hyderabad: David Warner (c), Jonny Bairstow (wk), Kane Williamson, Manish Pandey, Priyam Garg, Abhishek Sharma, Abdul Samad, Rashid Khan, Sandeep Sharma, Siddarth Kaul, T Natarajan
Also, Read – Top 5 West Indian Players At IPL 2020
From the pre-match buildup
It should happen soon. As I said, it needs to happen sooner than later. We don’t want to bring them when every game is a must win game. Hopefully, we will have those guys featuring soon
— Wasim Jaffer on The prospect of Mujeeb and Gayle featuring in the playing 11.
Prediction
SRH have developed an identity playing a certain brand of cricket with more or less the same group of core players over the years and back themselves to make it work while Punjab are nowhere close to stringing together their best 11 yet and that could be the differential.
SRH might just edge out KXIP in crunch moments to clinch the 2 points according to our preview.
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