After back-to-back defeats, Sunrisers Hyderabad will have their task cut out when they take on Punjab Kings, who have won both their matches so far, in Hyderabad on Sunday.
Sunrisers’ batting has looked shabby in their defeats to Rajasthan Royals and Lucknow Super Giants. Captain Aiden Markram joined the team in the last game but was of no help. Top-rated Englishman Harry Brook too hasn’t been among runs.
The trick for the Hyderabad team lies in choosing their overseas players correctly. Like in the last game, they didn’t find a place for Heinrich Klaasen though it seemed that the South African keeper-batter could have helped their cause.
Punjab have no such worries. Captain Shikhar Dhawan has begun the season with two good knocks, while in Prabhsimran Singh, they have discovered an exciting opener. Punjab’s bowlers are also doing decently, with Sam Curran and Nathan Ellis providing timely breakthroughs.
Today’s match
■ Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Punjab Kings, 7.30pm, Hyderabad, live on Star Sports & Jio Cinema
No impact on all-rounders
Ahmedabad: The impact player rule in the IPL doesn’t “threaten” the role of all-rounders and instead provides teams with extra strength, feels South Africa and Gujarat Titans batter David Miller.
All-rounder Krunal Pandya had blasted a 23-ball 34 after claiming three wickets with his spin bowling to steer Lucknow Super Giants to a five-wicket win against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Friday.
“No, not necessarily threatened,” Miller said during a media conference on Saturday. “I mean, ultimately, you’ve got your all-rounders position. But I think the fact that you’ve got the choice to have the extra batter or the extra bowler just gives extra strength to the team.
“So I wouldn’t say it’s a threat to any all-rounders. All-rounders have always been highly regarded in any team. So I think their role still remains.”
PTI
