Matchday six of IPL 2021 witnessed another incredible game that kept both results possible until the final over of the day. Sunrisers Hyderabad managed to succumb under pressure in the death overs against Royal Challengers Bangalore despite being in control of chasing down the target of 150 runs. They eventually fell short by six runs in this game.
RCB has made a terrific start to the campaign, winning both games. Meanwhile, SRH is still searching for the first victory as they couldn’t chase down targets in the first two games. In a game where momentum shifted towards both teams at various points, there were some important takeaways for SRH and RCB.
SRH desperately needs Kane Williamson in the middle order
At one stage, SRH was cruising in the chase with skipper David Warner and Manish Pandey set in the middle. However, one wicket of Warner triggered a collapse in the middle order. In such type of low-scoring chases, SRH is crying out for a batsman like Kane Williamson. The Kiwi batsman is able to rotate the strike and find the boundaries consistently in such games to make sure that pressure is always on the opposition.
SRH is going to play the next three games in Chennai before moving to New Delhi. The 2016 IPL champions will be hoping that Williamson will be available for selection from the next game. He can be the mainstay in the middle order and make sure other players bat around him. SRH head coach Trevor Bayliss has insisted that Williamson is working on fitness after recovering from an elbow injury this month.
Teams should be looking to bat first in Chennai
Chennai has been serving low-scoring thrillers this season until now. Apart from the game between SRH and KKR, the average score in MA Chidambaram Stadium has been around 150. The impact of dew has not been too drastic in these games, so it is surprising to see teams electing to chase at this venue.
One game out of four games at this venue has been won by teams batting second until now. Having a competitive total on the board is crucial to put the pressure on the opposition, so the next few games could witness changes in the approach of teams after winning the toss.
RCB getting things right in terms of bowling personnel
Virat Kohli got the bowling changes spot on against Mumbai Indians last weekend. Along with nailing the bowling changes, Kohli and team management is also getting the personnel right for various game situations in the first two games.
Mohammed Siraj has been used majorly upfront when the ball is new. The young Indian pacer is able to keep a lid on runs in the powerplay along with Kyle Jamieson. Meanwhile, Harshal Patel is designated to complete overs in the death. The introduction of left hand off-spinner Shahbaz Ahmed was also timely on Wednesday as RCB changed the complexion of the game in his second over. SRH scored just one run in the 17th over, but most importantly Ahmed took three wickets to turn the game on its heads. Kohli will have to keep making such decisions in team selection and on the pitch to go deep in IPL 2021.