SRH’s new heroes take on Chennai Super Kings in high-stakes derby

HYDERABAD: The morale in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s dugout is high ahead of their clash against Chennai Super Kings at the Rajiv Gandhi International stadium on Saturday. Riding on sensational debuts of their pacers Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain, the former champions tamed high-flying Rajasthan Royals by 57 runs to return to winning ways. That victory should hold them in good stead ahead of the southern derby.

SRH’s bowling, in the absence of Pat Cummins, was considered the weak link. And the lacklustre performances of the experienced duo of Jaydev Unadkat and Harshal Patel forced the think-tank to go with rookies Hinge and Hussain. And they delivered in style. While Hinge (4/34) picked up three wickets, including Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel and Lhuan-dre Pretorius, in the very first over to enter the record books, Hussain returned an impressive 4/24 to become overnight sensations. What also worked in their favour was that their spin department of Shivang Kumar and Harsh Dubey is slowly finding rhythm.

The batting, however, continues to be the hosts’ forte. Travishek, Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, though struggling for consistency, can take apart any bowling attack on their day. Both of them added 105 runs in the powerplay against Punjab Kings. But Abhishek is yet to score a run at home after for consecutive ducks against LSG and RR.

On the other hand, Super Kings, who began with three defeats, recorded back-to-back wins with all-round performances. The five-time champions defeated Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders to find some momentum.

While the form of their captain Ruturaj Gaikwad still a concern, Sanju Samson finally announced his arrival in the yellow with a century and a masterful 48 in the last two matches. Ayush Mhatre too is in fine nick while Sarfaraz Khan, Dewald Brevis and Shivam Dube add muscle.

Their bowling unit suffered a blow as Khaleel Ahmed was ruled out of the tournament. Though not big names, Anshul Kamboj, Gurjapneet Singh, Jamie Overton in the pace department, Noor Ahmed’s return to form and the presence of Akeal Hosein in the spin department makes it a versatile attack.

Both teams have four points with two wins each and with proven power-hitters in both sides, the bowling units hold the key to the outcome.