SRH vs RR: Key battles which can determine the outcome
Fans couldn't have asked for a better start to IPL 2019. Tonight, we would witness a thriller between two former champions, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. With both the teams coming off losses, they would look to give a better account of themselves. Let us analyze the key battles which can determine the tie.
Can Unadkat stop the Warner show?
Australian swashbuckling opener David Warner made a dream return to the IPL as he played a knock of 85 in the opening game. He would look to do the same on Thursday, but the job looks tough, especially with Indian pacer Jaydev Unadkat looking to prove himself. It won't be easy for Unadkat too as Warner looks to seal his spot in Australia's squad.
An Indo-British rivalry
Young Indian all-rounder Vijay Shankar has made a name for himself following a few good innings for India. He was also fruitful for SRH in the last game, as he looks to go ahead with the same intensity in this tie. However, he is set to face a tough competition from English all-rounder Ben Stokes, who was lethal with ball in the last game.
Can the Afghan pause the Aussie's grand return?
Afghan leg-spinner Rashid Khan is currently the number one T20 bowler. He would look to dominate everyone, especially Australia's Steve Smith. While Smith is playing the IPL after a year's gap, he has something to prove to selectors, especially with the World Cup ahead. Nonetheless, Rashid would be eyeing this wicket. This battle could be one of the crucial ones of the match.
An Indian rivalry to watch
Seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar is one of the top bowlers for India, regardless of the format he plays. As he looks to attack the batsmen, he would want to get rid of Rajasthan's skipper Ajinkya Rahane early, who looked in good touch in last match. This match would be crucial for Bhuvi especially since he was the victim of Andre Russell's onslaught in the opener.
Another Indo-British rivalry on the card
RR are currently incomplete without destructive English opener Jos Buttler, who has been in lethal form of late. Buttler, who played a classic knock of 69 in the opening game, would be again looking to deliver the same for his team. Although it looks like an uphill task to stop him, India's rookie pacer Sandeep Sharma would go head-on to take his prized wicket.
