Sunrisers Hyderabad haven’t quite been excellent starters. Peaking gradually has been their way in several editions of the IPL.
The pattern remains the same in this IPL too, but what has made it tighter for the Sunrisers is defeats in all their three matches so far, pushing them right down to the bottom of the standings.
It’s not at all a good situation to be in for David Warner and his teammates. But for sure, they would feel better if they prevail over Punjab Kings at the Chepauk on Wednesday and finally open their account.
The KL Rahul-led Punjab Kings aren’t in too good a position either as they are just above the Sunrisers in the table with just two points. They did begin well, but lost the plot in their next couple of matches, failing to click during critical junctures.
It’s still early stages in the competition, so if both Sunrisers and Punjab Kings try and plug the holes in their side, their prospects should brighten going into the second phase.
Talking about Sunrisers, their bowlers have been doing a pretty decent job, keeping aside the 180-odd they conceded in their opener versus Kolkata Knight Riders. It’s mainly Sunrisers’ batting that has let them down in all the three games.
The top order gave them starts, but the middle order just couldn’t make use of them. Of course, if skipper Warner gets a big one, a good part of their issues related to batting would be solved.
But having said that, the Sunrisers do need someone like Kane Williamson, who can take charge in the middle order after Warner and Jonny Bairstow lay the foundation.
Even if the Sunrisers feel the conditions call for the inclusion of an all-rounder, they should bring back Jason Holder instead of thinking of or considering other names.
In other words, they need to be judicious enough in selecting their fourth overseas player before it gets too late.
For Punjab Kings, they would only be happier to see the Sunrisers making the same mistakes.