Sunrisers Hyderabad look to David Warner and Rashid Khan for inspiration

IPL TEAM PREVIEW: Sunrisers have fine openers and a decent spin attack but must fill the gaps

Coach: Trevor Bayliss

Captain: David Warner

Last season: Lost Qualifier 1

Fixtures: September 21 – Royal Challengers Bangalore; September 26 – Kolkata Knight Riders; September 29 – Delhi Capitals; October 2 – Chennai Super Kings; October 4 – Mumbai Indians; October 8 – Kings XI Punjab; October 11 – Rajasthan Royals; October 13 – Chennai Super Kings; October 18 – Kolkata Knight Riders; October 22 - Rajasthan Royals; October 24 – Kings XI Punjab; October 27 – Delhi Capitals; October 31 – Royal Challengers Bangalore; November 3 – Mumbai Indians

How did they do last year?

The Sunrisers finished fourth thanks to some favours from the sides around them, scraping into the knock-out phase despite losing four of their last five. In the end, that run of form proved crucial as they were beaten by Delhi Capitals. The excitement was provided by David Warner and Jonny Bairstow, who struck up a fine opening partnership

Who are their key players?

David Warner: The Aussie finished as the highest run-scorer in 2019, scoring 692 runs with a century to boot. In 12 games he recorded eight fifties and his approach this time around will not change. Brings some poor international form into the competition.

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Khaleel Ahmed: Last year’s IPL saw the 22-year take 19 wickets in just nine games. With best figures of 3-30 and a strike rate of 11, he will look to take wickets early on and bowl economically at the death. His left arm medium pace has consistency and possesses variation in the form of slower balls and off-cutters.

What are their strengths?

Opening pair David Warner and Jonny Bairstow aren’t to be messed with. They shattered the highest opening partnership in IPL history last season against the RCB, smashing 185 runs between them. They’ll look to shatter opening bowlers and go after spin options in the early stages of the game. 

Rashid Khan's reputation goes before him and he remains the best spin bowlers on the circuit. Didn't always enjoy the best CPL but with the conditions more to his favour the Sunrisers' hopes will rest on his shoulder. A huge danger with runs on the board.

Where might they have a weakness?

The middle-order perhaps needs some attention. Although they have Bairstow and Warner upfront, it is unrealistic to expect them to repeat last year's heroics. Past Vijay Shankar they’re looking rather weak, even if Kane Williamson is situated at No.3.

Chances of reaching knockout stages?

They needed help to reach the last four in 2019 but they might not be as fortunate this time around.

Strongest XI: David Warner, Jonny Bairstow, Kane Williamson, Manish Pandey, Vijay Shankar, Rashid Khan, Shahbaz Nadeem, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed, Sandeep Sharma/ Siddarth Kaul

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