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IPL 2021 preview: Can desperate Sunrisers Hyderabad stop relentless Delhi Capitals?

The ongoing edition of the lucrative Indian Premier League is the 14th edition, being held in India this year. While Sunrisers Hyderabad is a former champion, having won in 2016, Delhi Capitals is yet to lay its hands on the coveted trophy, having finished as runner-up last season.

IPL 2021, Match 20: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Delhi Capitals (SRH vs DC) preview-ayh
Author
Chennai, First Published Apr 24, 2021, 7:54 PM IST

The 2021 Indian Premier League has been incredibly enjoyable so far, with more to come. Meanwhile, former champion Sunrisers Hyderabad would take on 2020 runner-up Delhi Capitals in Match 20 at the MA Chidambaram (Chepauk) Stadium in Chennai on Sunday.

SRH has been dominant since its title win in 2016 but has not shown enough resilience when it comes to being a title contender. Meanwhile, DC would be desperate to get things right this season, having come inches close to lay its hands on its maiden title last season. As this tie promises to be a thriller, we present the match preview.

Current form
Both sides have played four games this season so far and have a contrasting story to tell. SRH has won just a game, besides losing three and is placed sixth in the points table. As for DC, it has won three and lost a match, placed third.

Team combination
For the team, SRH has a batting-heavy side, 15-13 to be precise. Also, with equal distribution of capped talents across departments, SRH would heavily rely on its batting to see its past DC. Furthermore, it would expect skipper David Warner, along with Jonny Bairstow and Kane Williamson to fire to the fullest.

Meanwhile, DC, too, has a slightly heavy team in terms of batting. Also, with a heavily capped department, DC would have the utmost faith in its batsmen as well. The likes of opener Shikhar Dhawan and skipper Rishabh Pant could take it to the SRH bowlers. Thus, a high-scoring game could be on the cards.

Injury concerns
SRH has a concern, with pacer T Natarajan being ruled out due to a knee injury, while his replacement is still awaited. Meanwhile, DC would still be without all-rounder Axar Patel, who has recently recovered from COVID and would train for a few days before getting match-ready.

Follow all IPL 2021 updates here

Head-to-head
In the 18 games between the two to date, SRH has won 11, while DC has seven wins. Of the 14 games in India, SRH leads 8-6, while it would be their maiden clash in Chennai.

IPL 2021, Match 20: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Delhi Capitals (SRH vs DC) preview-ayh

Weather and pitch report
A hot Chennai weather is expected, with the temperature likely to be around 33 degrees and 66% of humidity. As for the track, another slow one is expected, with the team ideally batting first having the advantage. Any score around 140 is likely to be competitive.

Probable XI
SRH:
David Warner (c), Jonny Bairstow (wk), Kane Williamson, Virat Singh, Vijay Shankar, Abhishek Sharma, Kedar Jadhav, Rashid Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed and Siddarth Kaul.
DC: Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Steven Smith, Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Marcus Stoinis, Shimron Hetmyer, Lalit Yadav, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kagiso Rabada, Amit Mishra and Avesh Khan.

Fantasy XI
Batsmen:
Warner, Dhawan (c), Pandey, Shaw- Warner and Dhawan are the right men to give the start, along with Shaw at number three or four, while Pandey would consolidate in the middle. Dhawan's prolificness makes him the skipper.
Wicketkeepers: Bairstow (vc), Pant- Bairstow is sure to dominate at number three, while Pandy can come in the middle and act as an anchor or the finisher. Bairstow's current form makes him the deputy skipper.
All-rounders: Woakes, Lalit- Woakes would be handy with the ball and could chip in with the bat when needed, as would Lalit, who has been going great in both the departments of late.
Bowlers: Avesh, Rashid, Khaleel- Rashid is a no-brainer here, owing to his dealy leg-spin. Meanwhile, Avesh and Khaleel are nailing with the pace consistently and are sure to deliver in this game.

Match details
Date and day:
April 25, 2021 (Sunday)
Venue: MA Chidambaram (Chepauk) Stadium, Chennai
Time: 7.30 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

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