SRH vs MI Preview - Match 25

*SRH VS MI PREVIEW*

*BUILD UP:*

Gear up for another game, this time around between two sides who have had a similar journey so far in IPL 2023. Both MI and SRH faltered initially but came back strongly winning 2/2, it’s become a trend now. IPL offers us with some of the comeback stories and this is one of them. However, as the clock turns towards 12 tonight, one of these teams’ momentum will be broken again. 

*KISHAN AND SKY TURN UP:*

While MI enjoyed their last outing against KKR, two things in particular that would make them happy is the return to form for two of their star batters from the Indian contigent in Kishan and Suryakumar. While one raced away to a blistering half ton, the other absorbed the pressure in the middle to grind his way to a valuable 43. If they turn up more often than not, MI’s future in the tourney would stay secure. 

*MI PROBABLE XI:*

Rohit Sharma(c), Ishan Kishan(wk), Cameron Green, Tilak Verma, Suryakumar Yadav, Tim David, Nehal Wadhera, Hrithik Shokeen, Jofra Archer/Jason Behnrendroff, Piyush Chawla, Riley Meredith 

Rohit was not initially named in the XI last game but he is expected to return for a full game as captain this time around. He has shown glimpses of form this season but is yet to make a big score upfront. 

The usage of Chawla tonight should be critical given some batters of SRH, particularly Tripathi and Abhishek who enjoy tackling the spinners with ease. He could be used in the power play itself to make a case against Brook, who is a mediocre spin player. After a stunning ton last game, he can be kept quiet with spin as a weapon. 

There is still no confirmation if Archer is fit enough to play a game. If he is declared it, he should slot right back in. Otherwise bringing Behnrendroff back wouldn’t be such a bad option. 

*IMPACT PLAYER USAGE:*

Arjun Tendulkar did a reasonable job with ball last game. He could be swapped in for Tilak Verma during the bowling innings. 

Whereas an all rounder like Ramandeep Singh could come in place of Chawla/Meredith when Mumbai bat. 

*SRH PROBABLE XI:* 

Mayank Agarwal, Harry Brook, Rahul Tripathi, Abhishek Sharma, Aiden Markram(c), Heinrich Klaassen(wk), Marco Jansen, Washington Sundar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umran Malik, T Natarajan/Mayank Markande

SRH have a powerpacked top 6 and on their day against a relatively inexperienced MI bowling group at their home ground, they certainly hold the aces in their favour. Expect a good outing for any 2 of the top 5 if a good batting wicket is laid out. 

There is likely to be a 50:50 situation between Natarajan and Markande depending upon how the captain reads the surface. Knowing Hyderabad as a ground for a long time, expect it to spin. If that happens to be the case, Natarajan may not feature. 

*IMPACT RULE USAGE:*

SRH could slot in Abdul Samad, the finisher, while batting replacing Mayank Agarwal. 

While Karthik Tyagi could come in during the bowling innings of SRH. However with a number of bowling reserves already available with Hyderabad, I don’t expect them to do this. 

*MY PREDICTIONS FOR THE GAME:*

*FOR MI:*
Highest run getter- Suryakumar Yadav/Rohit Sharma 

Highest wicket taker- Riley Meredith/Piyush Chawla 

*FOR SRH:*
Highest run getter- Aiden Markram/Rahul Tripathi 

Highest wicket taker- Bhuvneshwar Kumar/Marco Jansen 

*FOR THE GAME:*
SRH to win and register three back to back wins.