Dubai: Sunrisers Hyderabad will take on Rajasthan Royals
early afternoon today at the Dubai International Stadium. Rajasthan Royals have
not been enjoying a particularly good campaign this year losing four times in a
row netting only four points until now. Steve Smith led unit has been poor recently
and would be looking to gain points and getting out of the bottom half of
table. There is no short of talent in Rajasthan squad with players like Sanju
Samson, Steve Smith, Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer and Tom Curran. But, Rajasthan
has failed to win in the last four games despite having a gifted squad. Ben Stokes
had returned from New Zealand. He left England after he learned that his father
was diagnosed with brain cancer. Ben Stokes had to comply with the coronavirus
guidelines and remained in self-isolation for a period. It is unknown whether
Ben Stokes would be available for today’s fixture but his arrival will be a
respite for the struggling Rajasthan Royals. The English all-rounder has the
grit and talent to turn around the matches and a player of that calibre is
desperately needed by Steve Smith.
As for the Sunrisers Hyderabad, they lost their first two
games but managed to score wins against Delhi Capitals, Kings XI Punjab and
Chennai Super Kings wins. David Warner and Jonny Bairstow showed their mettle
against Kings XI Punjab and the dependable Kane Williamson’s presence in the squad
remains a positive aspect and they boast one of the best if not the best bowlers
in current IPL in Rashid Khan. The ever-smiling Afghan takes wickets as it came
naturally to him and maintains a very impressive run rate. Banging some belters
now and then had also helped Rashid Khan making him one of the favourite
players for Hyderabad fans.
