We are halfway through IPL 2020 and the picture is slowly being cleared. While DC, MI and RCB are sitting pretty with 10 points in 7 games, the fight for the fourth place is well and truly on. CSK and KXIP have to hope for a dramatic turn of events to have any chance of qualifying for the playoffs. It frankly is looking quite tough for them to reach 14 points, which is the minimum required to qualify.
That leaves RR, SRH and KKR fighting for the fourth spot on the table. Therefore, apart from being a must-win encounter for CSK, it’s an important match for their southern rivals too. The match will be played in Dubai. Both captains will be looking to bat first after winning the toss and hope to post 170 on the board. With CSK struggling with the bat, Sunrisers Hyderabad go into the match as slight favourites. CSK have to find a way to get Imran Tahir in. Sunrisers Hyderabad are overly dependent on their openers and will hope that they can give them a good start.
5 must have players in your Fantasy XI
Jonny Bairstow – Bairstow just loves scoring runs in the IPL and has been in good touch this season. He missed out in the previous innings and will be looking to make amends.
Faf Du Plessis – Faf has been the shining light in an otherwise dull CSK batting in IPL 2020. One of the leading run scorers in the tournament, trust Du Plessis to continue his good form.
Manish Pandey – Pandey played a good knock of 50 against RR. His ability to milk the spinners will come in handy in the middle overs.
Ambati Rayudu – Rayudu had a great opening game against the Mumbai Indians. He got injured thereafter and hasn’t produced the same result. He’s too good a player to miss out again and again.
Rashid Khan – Rashid started the tournament slowly and looked a bit flat in the first couple of games. However, since then he has been unplayable for just about anyone. Not only does he have an exceptional economy rate, he also gets crucial wickets.
Cricket Cult’s Fantasy XI
Jonny Bairstow (c), David Warner, Faf Du Plessis, Ambati Rayudu, Manish Pandey, Sam Curran, Kane Williamson, Rashid Khan, T Natarajan, Khaleel Ahmed, Shardul Thakur