Follow UsSunrisers Hyderabad, who are already out of the playoffs race, have made quite a few changes going into their game against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Lucknow.
With Travis Head still recovering in the hotel after testing positive for COVID-19, and Jaydev Unadkat opting out due to personal reasons, SRH brought in Atharva Taide, a batter from Vidarbha, and included him in the impact substitutes for the game. They have also given a chance to the Vidarbha left-arm spinners Harsh Dubey, who is coming after a stellar Ranji Trophy season.
The biggest news coming from the Lucknow camp is that Kiwi pacer Will O’Rourke has joined the side and will be making his debut in the IPL in this game.
Meanwhile, LSG skipper Rishabh Pant looked satisfied with the call of having to bat first after losing the toss and felt that it wouldn't impact how they play the game. It's notable here that LSG might need to win all their remaining three games to have a proper chance at playoff qualifications. Hence, this game at home is quite crucial for Pant’s men.
Playing XI
LSG: Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant (C/WK), Abdul Samad, Ayush Badoni, Akash Deep, Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi, Digvesh Singh, Will O'Rourke (On IPL debut)
Impact player options for LSG - Himmat Singh, Shahbaz Ahmad, M Siddharth, Shardul Thakur, David Miller.
SRH: Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (WK), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen, Aniket Verma, Kamindu Mendis, Pat Cummins (C), Harshal Patel, Harsh Dubey (On IPL debut), Zeeshan Ansari, Eshan Malinga.
Impact player options for SRH - Mohammad Shami, Atharva Taide, Sachin Baby, Abhinav Manohar, Simarjeet Singh.
Captains Speak
Pat Cummins: We want to know what we are chasing. Never know what the wicket will do. We haven't played to our potential and want to reach that. A few injuries gives a few chances to the new guys. We have some unfinished business. The team has been great, but we haven't fired. Head is in his hotel room. Unadkat is on a personal leave. Taide and Harsh Dubey come in.
Rishabh Pant: Don't mind doing any [bat or bowl]. We want to play one match at a time and give our 100%. No unwanted pressure, it is always there. The team has regrouped really well and they are in a good headspace. Will O'Rourke is making his IPL debut.