There’s room for optimism within the Sunrisers Hyderabad camp. Despite a poor batting performance against Rajasthan Royals in its previous match, Shikhar Dhawan’s side displayed admirable gumption to secure a comfortable win.
While the team’s balance might be lopsided, things are looking up for Sunrisers.
For Delhi Daredevils, things have to look up. Daredevils lie bottom, having been sucked into a vortex of disaster that keeps pulling them inwards.
A dire approach to team selection and combination has hurt the side’s prospects, seemingly irreparably. Before the start of the season, skipper Kevin Pietersen had said that during tough times he would seek to reduce the pressure on his players. It’s tough to affirm he has done that.
When questioned on selection, both coach Gary Kirsten and captain have stated that they choose the side they think will do the job. Well, does one even need to say that? When results don’t go your way, such banal pronouncements make you look silly.
Lesson to be learntThe continued use of Daredevils’ top-scorer J-P Duminy at number five or below this season has been used as an example of the side’s intransigence. It has been stressed that Duminy is employed there because that’s where he bats for South Africa.
Perhaps, there’s a lesson to be learnt from Kings XI Punjab’s positioning of Glenn Maxwell as a number three batsman.
Sunrisers certainly allow their best batsmen to play at the top. Dhawan, Aaron Finch and David Warner are given the responsibility to bat for most overs, although Warner has recently been placed as low as fifth to steady a fragile middle order.
AdvantageIn terms of bowling resources, Sunrisers hold an obvious advantage over Daredevils. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Dale Steyn and Karn Sharma have been largely economical and threatening. At times, Daredevils have struggled to find even a single bowler in exceptional form. Imran Tahir’s arrival may change that.
If it doesn’t, Daredevils’ qualification hopes could receive a decisive blow at the Ferozeshah Kotla on Saturday.
