Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) will take on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 18th match of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Friday, April 5. Having won only one game out of three, SRH are languishing sixth in the IPL 2024 standings. On the other hand, CSK won both their home matches before losing to Delhi Capitals (DC) in Visakhapatnam on March 31. With two wins and one loss, CSK are currently placed third in the IPL 2024 standings with four points on the board.
Ahead of a high-octane clash, we look at the predicted XIs of both sides.
SRH Predicted XI
Travis Head
SRH's explosive opener Travis Head has been on a prolific touch this season. The southpaw has scored 81 runs in two innings at a whopping strike rate of 213.15.
Mayank Agarwal
After an underwhelming IPL 2023, Mayank Agarwal began his IPL 2024 campaign with a quick-fire 32 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He has accumulated 59 runs in three matches this year.
Abhishek Sharma
Having impressed for Punjab in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024, Abhishek Sharma continued his sublime form in the IPL 2024. He has smashed 124 runs in three innings at a whacking strike rate of 200.
Aiden Markram
The SA20 winning captain Aiden Markram has added both power and solidity to the SRH batting unit in IPL 2024. Batting at No. 4, Markram has scored 77 runs in three matches at an average of 38.50.
Heinrich Klaasen (wicketkeeper)
Heinrich Klaasen started his IPL 2024 campaign from where he left in 2023. So far, the hard hitter has smashed 167 runs in three innings at an impressive strike rate of 219.73.
Abdul Samad
One of the four players retained by SRH ahead of IPL 2022, Abdul Samad has been a regular starter for Hyderabad since his IPL debut. The 22-year-old has scored 44 runs in two innings this season.
Shahbaz Ahmed
Spin-bowling all-rounder, Shahbaz Ahmed has delivered in bulk for SRH this year. Apart from taking two wickets, Shahbaz has scored 38 runs in two innings at a strike rate of 152.
Pat Cummins (captain)
Pat Cummins had a wonderful 2023 as Australia's World Cup-winning captain besides also retaining the Ashes. He has led SRH's bowling unit having picked up four wickets this season.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Indian veteran Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been a driving force for SRH's pace attack all these years. He's taken 170 wickets in the IPL so far and will have a big role to play for SRH this year.
Mayank Markande
In the absence of Wanindu Hasaranga, leg-spinner Mayank Markande has been the first-choice wrist spinner for SRH. He has taken three scalps in as many matches in IPL 2024.
Jaydev Unadkat
Left-arm pacer Jaydev Unadkat has been productive in the slog overs this season. He has picked two wickets in as many innings in the IPL 2024.
Impact Sub
Washington Sundar/Nitish Kumar Reddy
CSK Predicted XI
Ruturaj Gaikwad (captain)
CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad had an underwhelming start to the IPL 2024. The right-handed batter has scored 62 runs in three innings so far. He will be looking to provide a quick start against SRH.
Rachin Ravindra
New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra has been prolific with the bat for CSK this year. The southpaw has smashed 85 runs in three matches at a strike rate of 180.85.
Ajinkya Rahane
Ajinkya Rahane began his IPL 2024 campaign on a positive note. He has returned with important cameos for CSK having scored 84 runs in three innings so far.
Daryl Mitchell
Kiwi all-rounder Daryl Mitchell made his debut for CSK in the IPL 2024 opener and scored 22 runs. He has scored 80 runs in three innings providing balance to CSK's middle order.
Shivam Dube
Shivam Dube enjoyed a wonderful IPL campaign for CSK last year and has carried his form to the IPL 2024. The explosive left-hander has smashed 103 runs in three matches at an average of 51.50 this season.
Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja is a name you cannot keep out of CSK's probable XI. Jadeja has accumulated 53 runs with the bat apart from taking a wicket this season.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni (wicketkeeper)
After handing over leadership duties for CSK to Gaikwad, MS Dhoni was expected to play his natural game this season. The Indian legend smashed a 16-ball 37* at a whopping strike rate of 231.25 against DC.
Sameer Rizvi
The 20-year-old, Sameer Rizvi has played all three fixtures for CSK so far. Striking at 200, Sameer has played a finisher's role scoring 14 runs in two innings.
Shardul Thakur
Shardul Thakur has returned to the CSK set-up after a gap of two years. In the absence of Mustafizur Rahman, Shardul will play a crucial role in IPL 2024. The Mumbai all-rounder has taken 89 wickets in 86 IPL games at 9.16.
Deepak Chahar
Deepak Chahar was seen in action against RCB after a long spell on the sidelines due to an injury. He has picked three wickets in as many matches so far and is likely to open the proceedings against SRH.
Matheesha Pathirana
Matheesha Pathirana has been one of the shining lights for CSK this season. The Sri Lankan pacer has picked four wickets in two matches at an economy of 7.50.
Impact Sub
Tushar Deshpande