Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are itching to bounce back from their disappointing batting performance as they prepare to host Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in a pivotal Indian Premier League clash on Wednesday.
IPL 2024: Points TableResults
Both teams are deadlocked at 12 points from 11 games, with Sunrisers edging ahead in the top-four race, thanks to a slightly superior net run rate of -0.065 compared to Lucknow Super Giants' -0.371.
SRH find themselves in a tight battle for a playoff berth with Kolkata Knight Riders (16), Rajasthan Royals (16), and Chennai Super Kings (12) currently occupying higher positions on the points table.
The outcome of this encounter will significantly impact the playoff picture.
Despite boasting considerable talent, Pat Cummins' side has struggled to maintain consistent form recently. Sunrisers have stumbled in three of their last four matches, largely due to their faltering batting lineup.
In their recent defeat against Mumbai Indians, where they lost by seven wickets, Sunrisers failed to set a competitive target, a facet that had been their strength this season.
Apart from Travis Head, who has been a standout performer, the rest of the batting unit has experienced a slump in form.
Young opener Abhishek Sharma, known for his power-hitting, has surpassed the 30-run mark only once in the last four games.
While acknowledging that the openers can't be relied upon every time, SRH head coach Daniel Vettori has emphasized the need for the middle order to step up.
Heinrich Klaasen has struggled to find consistency in his stroke play, and Nitish Reddy's performances have been inconsistent as well.
However, the bowlers have fared relatively better compared to their batting counterparts.
T Natarajan has been a consistent performer, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar appears to have regained his form after a decisive spell helped Sunrisers secure a one-run victory against RR.
On the other hand, Lucknow Super Giants must overcome their lackluster showing against Kolkata Knight Riders, where they not only conceded over 200 runs for the first time at the Ekana Stadium but also collapsed to 137 all out.
Skipper KL Rahul failed to anchor the innings, and key players like Marcus Stoinis and Nicholas Pooran couldn't provide the necessary firepower.
Ayush Badoni has struggled to make an impact in this IPL season and will be eager to shake off his poor form.
Lucknow's bowling woes stem from a lack of potency in their pace department.
With Mayank Yadav ruled out and Mohsin Khan nursing an injury, the onus falls on Afghan speedster Naveen-ul-Haq, young Yash Thakur, Stoinis and spinners Krunal Pandya and Ravi Bishnoi to deliver the goods.
(With PTI inputs)
