IPL 2021: Match 40 – SRH vs RR – Preview, Playing XI, Pitch Report & Updates

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) will lock horns in Match 40 of the Indian Premier League (IPL). With eight defeats in nine matches, Hyderabad has ended its hopes of making it to the play-offs. SRH had a great opportunity to claim a win against Punjab Kings, having restricted KL Rahul's team to a low score but the batting once again let them down.

Rajasthan Royals, on the other hand, were up against the in-form Delhi Capitals in the last match. Rajasthan displayed some good bowling performance by restricting the strong Delhi side to a total of 154. However, while chasing down the target, no batter could sail the team to victory.

The play-offs battle has already heated up and every match will be important for Rajasthan from here. Heading into this contest, the team will be keen on winning the game and securing two important points. Whereas, Hyderabad will also try to punch above their weights and win their first game of the UAE leg.

Pitch Report

Spinners and Pacers both might get good assistance from the pitch of Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The venue has long boundaries that might make things a bit challenging for the batters.

Playing XI

Sunrisers Hyderabad

David Warner, Wriddhiman Saha, Kane Williamson (c), Manish Pandey, Kedar Jadhav, Abdul Samad, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Sandeep Sharma, Khaleel Ahmed

Rajasthan Royals 

Liam Livingstone, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson (c), David Miller, Mahipal Lomror, Riyan Parag, Rahul Tewatia, Tabraiz Shamsi, Kartik Tyagi, Chetan Sakariya, Mustafizur Rahman

Key Players

Jason Holder

The importance of an all-rounder in T20 cricket is immense. Holder is one such name who can pose threat to the opposition. In the last match against Punjab, the West Indies all-rounder starred with both bat and ball to put Hyderabad in a commanding position. Though he couldn’t finish the game for his team on a winning note, his performance earned him praise from all corners.

Jason Holder picked up two crucial wickets of Punjab openers and then also sent Deepak Hooda back to the pavilion. He then armed his talent better by bringing up an impressive unbeaten knock of 29-ball 47.

Sanju Samson

For Rajasthan to make a comeback and keep their hopes alive in the tournament, Samson’s contribution will be crucial. The skipper was the only one who held fort for the side in the last match against Delhi. He did not get enough assistance from other batters but stayed resilient on the ground. He played a splendid inning of 70 runs and will be determined to perform for the side in the next game as well.