After a couple of thrilling encounters in IPL 2021, it’s time for the South Derby where Royal Challengers Bangalore lock horns with Sunrisers Hyderabad at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on April 14 (Wednesday). The wicket at the Chepauk has assisted the spinners in the last game which might prompt both teams to play additional spinners.
Sunrisers Hyderabad might bring in one change adding Kane Williamson at the expense of Jonny Bairstow, who scored a fine half-century in the first match. Hyderabad still have four games left in Chennai and Williamson’s ability to bat in spin-friendly tracks will bode well. It will be interesting to see if the management drop Mohammad Nabi, who bowled exceedingly well in the last game, to accommodate Bairstow in the playing XI. The bowling, on the other hand, has been Hyderabad’s stronghold and they will have a really tough time against a star-studded Royal Challengers Bangalore batting.
Bangalore are all set to welcome Devdutt Padikkal back into the fold. The youngster’s inclusion will further strengthen a batting lineup that already looked in good touch in the tournament opener. This is also quite an important game for Yuzvendra Chahal, who has been looking off-color for a while now. The legspinner would want to get some rhythm before embarking on tougher challenges in Mumbai and Kolkata later in the tournament.
IPL 2021: Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Sunrisers Hyderabad at the MA Chidambaram Stadium from 7:30 PM IST
Match Prediction – Who will win the match?
It will be an interesting match-up when Royal Challengers Bangalore will go up against Sunrisers Hyderabad later tonight. However, Hyderabad have a better head-to-head record winning 10 of the 18 matches they have played against Virat Kohli & Co.
Both teams have had a contrasting start to their campaign and it will be interesting to see how they go about their business in the upcoming game. However, with wickets getting slower and assisting spinners, Sunrisers Hyderabad might have an edge over Bangalore going into the game.