IPL 2020: RCB look to fix old problems against Sunrisers Hyderabad

As opening examinations go, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) couldn’t have expected anything sterner. David Warner, the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) captain, has expressed a willingness to come flying out of the blocks, and RCB, given their abject recent record, might not be such a bad place to start. The Virat Kohli-led team finished bottom last season — although only one point separated fourth and eighth — while SRH made the playoffs, losing to Delhi Capitals in the eliminator.

However, the two sides look evenly matched heading into the new season. Batting is the stronger suit for both, and you can expect Warner and Kohli to bank heavily on their spinners in conditions that are likely to favour them. Though it’s worth mentioning that SRH have slightly the better bowling unit, with bowlers that can offer more variety, one of the cornerstones for success in the T20 format.

That will be key against a batting side that possesses the power and finesse of Kohli and AB de Villiers. RCB have suffered for their overreliance on the two in the past, and the franchise will be hoping that new signing Aaron Finch will be able to take some pressure off them. SRH, on the other hand, have some artillery of their own: in Warner, three-time conqueror of the Orange Cap, and Jonny Bairstow, who spanked a century against Australia last week, they have possibly the most fearsome opening batting combo in the league this season.

The trouble for both sides lies in the middle and lower order. RCB have invested in the likes of Shivam Dube and Gurkeerat Singh, but the duo sizzled only sporadically last season. Similarly, SRH, with talented but unproven youngsters such as Priyam Garg and Virat Singh in their ranks, look short on experience.  

Which is why the contest may rest on the bowling. In Rashid Khan, SRH have arguably the world’s top T20 bowler. His second-in-command, compatriot Mohammad Nabi, may also prove to be effective with his off-spin on a Dubai wicket that should turn. For RCB, leading the line will be Yuzvendra Chahal, who has a tendency to go for runs but is also adept at controlling the middle overs by picking up wickets.

While picking a favourite between two teams that look somewhat similar is difficult, there is no denying that RCB will be under greater pressure to set an early marker. The mental lacerations of the past few seasons, combined with the expectation of their fans, means that there is no room for any more slip-ups. For all his greatness, it’s perhaps worth noting that Kohli has never won a major tournament as captain, for club or country. Today’s result may be an indicator if that might change.