When you are down in the dumps, there is no better feeling than finding your way back to the limelight. For starters it shuts down your critics, but more importantly it does something really wonderful to your self esteem. That large bucket of self doubt that acquires a large portion of the brain, starts emptying itself and gives a sense of satisfaction like no other. Suresh Raina must be mighty pleased with his match winning effort today, first getting rid of the dangerous Narine in the first innings and then leading the charge to hunt down KKRs stiff target.
He has been amongst the runs yet again in the IPL, and hopefully this will help him get back in the scheme of things for the BCCI contract.
KKR started off the game in brilliant fashion, as the Narine trick worked beautifully once again, and in the middle overs Uthappa started timing the ball to perfection, hitting some stylish strokes and getting KKR to a par score of 187.
Also Read: Preview and Match Result Predictions for Rising Pune Supergiant vs Sunrisers Hyderabad
GL started off in similar fashion, BMac and Finch took the attack to the bowlers and laid a solid foundation up top. Raina then came in and creamed the bowlers at will, scoring freely and looking in total control. Lions romped to the score of 189 with ease and now have some breathing space after losing a flurry of games at the start.
KKR would consider this a minor blip in an otherwise brilliant campaign as of now. They just need to fire as a team, and they have enough depth in both departments to take them through to the playoffs.
Rising Pune Supergiant vs Sunrisers Hyderabad
RPS have had a long rest after their emphatic victory over RCB in Bangalore and will be taking on the in form Sunrisers, who will be playing their 3rd match in 7 days.
RPS desperately need MSD and Rahane to fire for them to foster a strong batting challenge, else their bowling will be left with a little too much to do.
SRH on the other hand are already pulling all the right strings, and Williamson striking form on his season debut has made things all the more sorted for them. Warner can now bat a bit more freely knowing that he has a considerably longer batting line up now. The bowling has been perfect until now and SRH will be looking to ride on this hard gained momentum,
Let’s get to business now!
IPL Fantasy League Fantasy Tips on the next page
IPL Fantasy League
Transfer out: Krunal Pandya, Basil Thampi
Transfer in: Ben Stokes/Imran Tahir, Rahul Tripathi
Now, I already have David Warner, Bhuvi and Rashid Khan in my team for this game!
I’ll be making just one substitution for this game and it would be either of Imran Tahir or Ben Stokes(I opt out of Steve Smith because a bowler(Tahir) gives you more assurance with the number of points and an all rounder has dual scoring opportunities)
While Ben Stokes hasn’t done anything of much note as of now, his all round abilities could make you tilt a little bit towards him. But he could very well be cleaned up by Rashid Khan in the middle overs.
Now, when there is no ideal way to tell as to which of them could reap better benefits, we’ll have to let the toss decide for us.
Ben Stokes double scoring option will come in handy when he scores big with the bat, and thus I would get him in if RPS bat first, as he could be bogged down under pressure while batting second(not everyone is Virat Kohli).
If RPS bowl second, I’ll be getting in Imran Tahir. Now, if you want to go with the safest choice possible, you should go in with Imran Tahir, as Stokes could hole out to Rashid and end up with zero wickets.
I won’t be getting in any other player from this game, as I won’t be able to carry them till their next matches.
For the uncapped player, I’ll be getting in Rahul Tripathi. He has been excellent in the two games that he has played, helping Pune get that brisk start that they so desperately need. Get him in!
Captain: Bhuvi/Imran Tahir(whoever bowls first)
Fandromeda Tips on the next page
Fandromeda
Transfer out: Andrew Tye
Transfer in: Ben Stokes/Imran Tahir
Now, I already have David Warner and Bhuvi in my side for this game.
Again, I can bring in just one from Ben Stokes and Imran Tahir as all the other 3 overseas players play either today or tomorrow afternoon. I am not getting Rashid Khan in because I feel Stokes and Tahir can provide me with greater number of points.
The decision of whom to get in, Stokes or Tahir remains the same as the one explained in the IPL Fantasy League section.
I won’t be getting in any other player from this fixture.
Batting Star: David Warner
Bowling Star: Bhuvi/Imran Tahir(whoever bowls first)