IPL 2021 preview: Sunrisers Hyderabad hunts inspiration for maiden season win against Punjab Kings
The Indian Premier League 2021 is the 14th edition of the profitable Twenty20 league, held in India. Punjab Kings is one of the three IPL sides to have not won the title to date. Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad won the title back in 2016 under David Warner's leadership.
FollowThings are starting to get intense in the 2021 Indian Premier League. Meanwhile, Punjab Kings is all set to take on former champion Sunrisers Hyderabad in Match 14 at the MA Chidamabaram (Chepauk) Stadium in Chennai on Wednesday.
PBKS would be desperate to turn its fortunes around this season to lay its hands on its maiden title. Meanwhile, SRH is off to a horrific start and would look for some inspiration ahead of the clash as we present the match preview.
Current form
PBKS has so far played three games, winning one and losing two, as it is placed seventh. As for SRH, it hasn't won a single game in the three clashes so far, as David Warner would be under severe pressure to get the side going.
Team combination
As for the team, PBKS has a balanced side across departments. However, with more capped talents in the batting, PBKS would try to fire in the department.
Meanwhile, SRH has somewhat a balanced side, being tide heavy on its batting. However, with more capped recruits in the bowling, the department is expected to fire against a formidable PBKS batting.
Injury concerns
None of the sides has any injury concerns.
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Head-to-head
In the 16 clashes between the two, SRH has won 11, with PBKS winning just five. In India, of the 13 games, SRH leads 10-3, while it would be their maiden clash in Chennai.
Weather and pitch report
The weather in Chennai would be hot as usual, with a temperature around 34 degrees and 64% of humidity. The track would once again play slow, with the team winning the toss looking to bat first.
Probable XI
PBKS: KL Rahul (c & wk), Mayank Agarwal, Chris Gayle, Deepak Hooda, Nicholas Pooran, Shahrukh Khan, Chris Jordan, Jhye Richardson, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Shami and Arshdeep Singh.
SRH: David Warner (c), Jonny Bairstow (wk), Manish Pandey, Kedar Jadhav, Abhishek Sharma, Abdul Samad, Vijay Shankar, Rashid Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and T Natarajan.
Fantasy XI
Batsmen: Shahrukh, Mayank, Pandey, Warner- Warner and Mayank are sure to give the right start, while Pandey and Shahrukh can consolidate in the middle, undergoing a good form.
Wicketkeepers: Rahul, Bairstow- Rahul has been in fine form with the bat and should be a healthy choice at the top order, making him the skipper. Also, Birstowcan bat anywhere in the top or middle and get going.
All-rounders: Hooda, Shankar- Hooda has been in a decent form with the bat and would continue his form, while Shankar has been doing the same with his pace bowling.
Bowlers: Arshdeep, Richardson, Rashid- While Rashid is a no-brainer for his lethal spins, he is also the deputy for Rahul. As for the pace, Arshdeep and Richardson are nailing it currently and are sure to continue their fine form.
Match details
Date and day: April 21, 2021 (Wednesday)
Venue: MA Chidambaram (Chepauk) Stadium, Chennai
Time: 3.30 PM (IST)
Where to watch (TV): Star Sports 1 and Star Sports 1 Hindi (Also available in HD, along with regional languages)
Where to watch (Online): Hotstar
