In the second match of the super Saturday, Royal Challengers Bangalore take on the Sunrisers Hyderabad at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Royal Challengers are just a win away from more or less secure a playoffs spot whereas Sunrisers second last in the points table which is why winning this match should be their top priority if they have any hopes of qualifying for the playoffs.
Royal Challengers Bangalore have lost their last two matches to Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings which is why they’re low on form as of now. Moreover, they have been beaten comprehensively by both Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings which is why it will be interesting to see how Virat Kohli and co deal with Sunrisers Hyderabad at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
On the other hand, the Orange army Sunrisers Hyderabad are in the worst position possible as they lie 7th in the points table.
Let’s take a look at the five key players to watch out for when Sunrisers Hyderabad lock horns with Royal Challengers Bangalore:
1. Virat Kohli
Leader of the Royal Challengers Bangalore, ‘King Kohli’ never seems to shy away from a challenge, and here he’s up for it, to win the maiden title for his side. After precisely three disappointing matches in the start, Kohli has gained his momentum back.
Six back-to-back forty plus scores, shy of one actually with 33, he has been consistent. Holds back one batting end and lets other dazzle boundaries, sometimes, if not, he ousts them and takes charge himself, which he is very well capable of. Nothing short of cogent has been the captain.
2. David Warner
The Aussie leading his team Sunrisers Hyderabad hasn’t been up to his standards until now in this edition of Dream 11 IPL. It could be called average at best, just like his side Sunrisers Hyderabad has been performing this entire season, placing them in the bottom half of the table.
He has the responsibility to score some substantial runs at the top of the order for his team, which he is very well capable off, to be one of the contenders for the playoffs.
Also Read: Yuvraj Singh Pokes Fun At David Warner After He Launches His YouTube Channel
3. Washington Sundar
So far in this tournament, Washington Sundar has by far been the unsung hero for Royal Challengers Bangalore. He’s been the given the tough job of bowling in the powerplay where batsmen will look to go after the off-spinner but Sundar has done an ‘Aati Sundar’ job of containing the batsmen in the first six crucial overs.
Though he hasn’t picked plenty wickets this season, he has bowled economical spells conceding less than 25 runs in his quota of four overs in every game.
4. T Natarajan
The fast bowler from Tamil Nadu who had been an excitement in the Tamil Nadu Premier League playing for the Dindigul Dragons has been a discovery for the Sunrisers Hyderabad side this year. In the absence of Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, he has managed to bowl through the penultimate death overs for the Sunrisers Hyderabad side.
This year he also holds the record for executing the most number of yorkers in this season as he’s an edge above Dwayne Bravo as of now. With Natarajan at his absolute best, the Sunrisers Hyderabad must look to utilise him to his very best against Rajasthan Royals.
5. Rashid Khan
The leg spinner from Afghanistan is always one of those players who have constantly performed for Sunrisers Hyderabad. Ever since he made his debut for the side in 2017 he has consistently put up good shows for the Orange Army.
This year too Rashid Khan has been the pick of the wickets as in the 9 matches he has played for Sunrisers Hyderabad this season he has managed to pick 11 wickets. He is one of the leading wicket-takers of his side in the tournament and will be key player against Rajasthan Royals.