IPL 2022, SRH vs GT: Sunrisers Hyderabad look to derail formidable Gujarat Titans

Indian Premier League (IPL) season so far. The big guns are yet to register a point. New entrants are setting the early pace. But all concerned know that it’s a very long tournament and the ability to sustain momentum is what matters at the business end of the competition. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) would’ve heaved a huge sigh of relief after their convincing eight-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Saturday; and with the monkey of the first win off their back, they would now aim to be consistent like pace-setters Gujarat Titans (GT), whom they play at the DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai on Monday. After a poor start against Rajasthan Royals, the Sunrisers attack pulled things back against Lucknow Super Giants, especially Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Washington Sundar and T Natarajan, only to see their batsmen fall short by 12 runs; and the SRH camp would be happy with the gradual improvement that led to a collective performance against CSK.

The trio will have to get it right on Monday against Titans, who are brimming with confidence that they can win a match from any situation. Rahul Tewatia showed it with sixers off the last two balls off Odean Smith to seal the match set up by Shubman Gill’s classy 96 upfront. Gill and Tewatia apart, Titans have a strong batting line-up comprising Mathew Wade, Sai Sudharsan, skipper Hardik Pandya and David Miller, while their bowling is spearheaded by Mohammed Shami, Lockie Ferguson. Rashid Khan will also have a point to prove in his first match against his former team.

The Afghan leggie knows a thing or two about skipper Kane Williamson but Sunrisers will be happy that the gamble to open with Abhishek Sharma has finally paid off.