Preview IPL 2017 Match 1: SRH vs RCB

It is showtime as the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2017 will kick-start in few more hours from now. The defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) will take on an injury-hit Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the first game of the 10th edition of the IPL at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad.

 

Clearly, the statistics suggest that SRH already have their noses in front as they hardly have to deal with any injury in their squad. RCB on the other hand, have a mountain to climb. Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers are missing out on this match due to injuries. Youngster Sarfaraz Khan will also bow out of the IPL after he hurt his leg during a practice session. Therefore, RCB need to pull up their socks before they launch an attack on a pumped-up SRH side.

 

Click here for the complete schedule of IPL 2017.

 

Shane Watson as a captain will have to be careful with his tactics as SRH skipper David Warner has a wonderful record at this particular stadium. However, RCB will have the advantage of playing Tymal Mills, who can pose a serious threat to the opponents’ batsmen. Only Yuvraj Singh has faced Mills and that too, just three deliveries in the recent India vs England T20 series.

 

Click here for the full squads of all 8 teams in IPL 2017.  

 

Chris Gayle does not have a wonderful record against SRH as well particularly in Hyderabad. He will have to make sure that gives RCB a good start in the opening game of the IPL as his side is already reeling even before the start of the tournament. Meanwhile, the presence of Kohli in the dressing room can somewhat boost their morale.

 

Head-to-Head:

 

9 matches – Sunrisers Hyderabad has won 5 and Royal Challengers Bangalore managed 4 victories.

 

IPL 2016: Sunrises Hyderabad – 2, Royal Challengers Bangalore -1.

 

Click here for the Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bangalore Schedule.